Paper Archives - STELLA https://science.gsfc.nasa.gov/stella/category/news/paper/ What do you want to measure? Sun, 21 Dec 2025 21:15:26 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://science.gsfc.nasa.gov/stella/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/cropped-BSTELLA_LogoOfficial-scaled-1-32x32.png Paper Archives - STELLA https://science.gsfc.nasa.gov/stella/category/news/paper/ 32 32 STELLA Paper Published on STELLA Technology’s Impact on Remote Sensing Access and Workforce Development https://science.gsfc.nasa.gov/stella/stella-paper-published-on-stella-technologys-impact-on-remote-sensing-access-and-workforce-development/ Wed, 17 Dec 2025 18:15:48 +0000 https://science.gsfc.nasa.gov/stella/?p=3492 NASA scientists and engineers, in collaboration with university researchers, have developed
low‐cost lightweight remote sensing instruments that anyone can build and use to bring remote sensing
science to communities beyond traditional professional scientists.

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Paper Published on STELLA Technology’s Impact on Remote Sensing Access and Workforce Development

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A new paper published in the American Geophysical Union (AGU) journal Perspectives of Earth and Space Scientists examining how low-cost, open-source instruments are expanding access to remote sensing science while supporting NASA’s Earth observation missions.

The paper, titled “Science and Technology Education for Land/Life Assessment (STELLA): Democratizing Remote Sensing Science With Low‐Cost Open‐Source Instruments for Research and Education,” documents how STELLA instruments are creating new opportunities for scientific engagement and workforce development.

Authors: Paul Mirel, Michael Taylor, William Jesse Barber, Petya Campbell, Bianca Cilento, Lynn M. Nichols, and Manuel Lerdau

Paul Mirel
Paul Mirel

Paul Mirel, the creator and lead engineer of STELLA at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, developed these instruments to make remote sensing science accessible through commercially available components. The instruments cost under $200 and measure light spectra across visible and near-infrared wavelengths, demonstrating the same principles used by NASA satellite missions.

The paper documents implementations across multiple settings, showing how STELLA technology creates pathways for understanding NASA Earth science missions. Dr. Craig Kohn at Waterford Union High School has integrated STELLA into agricultural science curricula, where students analyze vegetation health using NDVI measurements to compare different farming practices. This work connects classroom learning to the same spectral analysis methods used by NASA’s Landsat program.

Michael Taylor from NASA Goddard Space Flight Center has led workshops demonstrating how STELLA instruments help people understand NASA’s Earth observation capabilities. The technology provides hands-on experience with remote sensing principles while developing technical skills applicable to Earth science careers.

Earth Educator Rendezvous 2024
Mike Taylor going through the Intro to Remote Sensing and Landsat presentation before using STELLAs for the workshop at the Earth Educator Rendezvous 2024 meeting.

The research shows that STELLA instruments enable scientific measurements at scales not practical with expensive professional equipment. By making remote sensing accessible to broader communities, the technology expands participation in scientific research while building understanding of NASA mission applications.

STELLA Spectral Mystery in the classroom Karen Karker
Karen Karker teaching spectral lessons to students using STELLA.

Karen Karker at SUNY Environmental Science and Forestry has used STELLA in outreach programs, engaging participants from elementary through high school ages in spectral analysis activities that demonstrate how sensors can detect light invisible to human eyes. Her work shows how STELLA creates early exposure to NASA Earth science concepts.

The paper documents how university students gain comprehensive research experience through STELLA projects, developing skills in electronics assembly, programming, data analysis, and scientific methodology. These experiences prepare students for careers supporting NASA missions and Earth science applications.

The study demonstrates that STELLA’s open-source design supports global implementation while building technical workforce capabilities aligned with NASA’s Earth observation objectives. The research shows how the technology creates pathways between community engagement and the technical skills needed for NASA mission support.

The publication provides evidence of how accessible instrumentation can simultaneously advance scientific capabilities and develop workforce expertise essential for NASA’s Earth science and space exploration programs. The research establishes STELLA as a model for community-based technology development that supports NASA’s strategic objectives while expanding access to remote sensing science.

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