STELLA-1.2 Remote Sensing-B (RS) Plugin is a sensor module, adding 14-channel spectral sensing (~380nm to 1000nm), thermal infrared temperature measurement, plus temperature, humidity, and pressure sensors for comprehensive Earth observation education. This plugin enables vegetation health monitoring (NDVI), surface temperature mapping—complementing satellite observations by providing ground-based measurement comparisons to help understand what satellites observe from space. By providing spectral bands that align with operational NASA missions, the RS-B plugin breaks down barriers that make remote sensing seem inaccessible, transforming abstract satellite measurements into tangible, hands-on science. STELLA compliments and serves as an educational bridge, creating mission-literate students and professionals who understand and can work with NASA’s Earth observation data. The new RS-B module offers superior reliability through soldered connections instead of connector-only assembly, significantly reducing field failures and improving long-term measurement stability.

Important for beta users: The official STELLA-1.2 requires new housing and is not compatible with beta sensor modules. A conversion video guides beta testers through rewiring for the new platform.