{"id":859,"date":"2025-05-19T22:00:32","date_gmt":"2025-05-19T22:00:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/science.gsfc.nasa.gov\/stella\/?page_id=859"},"modified":"2025-06-07T16:05:18","modified_gmt":"2025-06-07T16:05:18","slug":"stella-1-1-technical-details","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/science.gsfc.nasa.gov\/stella\/instruments\/spectral\/stella-1-1\/stella-1-1-technical-details\/","title":{"rendered":"STELLA-1.1 Technical Details"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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STELLA-1.1 Technical Details<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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Instrument Description<\/h2>

STELLA-1.1 (Science and Technology Education for Land\/Life Assessment) is a low-cost (~$200) do-it-yourself handheld instrument designed for scientific engagement, inquiry, and discovery. It features a color display screen with touch-response controls and weighs less than 100 grams, making it easily adaptable for drone use.<\/p>

Core Components<\/h2>
  • Microprocessor<\/strong>: Feather RP2040<\/li>
  • Data Logger<\/strong>: Adalogger Featherwing with PCF8523 Real Time Clock and SD Card Reader<\/li>
  • Display<\/strong>: 2.8″ TFT with capacitive touch interface<\/li><\/ul>

    Sensor Array<\/h2>

    STELLA-1.1 includes multiple sensors for comprehensive data collection:<\/p>

    • VIS Spectral Sensor<\/strong>: AS7262 measuring light intensity at wavelengths 450, 500, 550, 570, 600, 650 nm, each with 40nm FWHM<\/li>
    • NIR Spectral Sensor<\/strong>: AS7263 measuring near-infrared spectral data at 610nm, 680nm, 730nm, 760nm, 810nm and 860nm, each with 20nm FWHM<\/li>
    • Thermal Infrared Sensor<\/strong>: MLX90614ESF-BCC for surface temperature measurements<\/li>
    • Air Temperature Sensor<\/strong>: MCP9808 with accuracy of \u00b10.25\u00b0C<\/li>
    • Ambient Weather Sensor<\/strong>: BME280 measuring relative humidity (\u00b13%), barometric pressure (\u00b11 hPa), and altitude<\/li><\/ul>

      Data Collection & Storage<\/h2>
      • Records measurements to a micro SD card (8GB)<\/li>
      • Each measurement includes time\/date stamp (UTC) and batch number<\/li>
      • Clock accuracy: \u00b12 seconds per day<\/li><\/ul>

        Power System<\/h2>
        • Powered by a 2200 mAh lithium-ion battery<\/li>
        • Optional 400 mAh battery available for drone applications<\/li>
        • Battery voltage monitoring included<\/li><\/ul>

          Software<\/h2>
          • Operates on CircuitPython, a beginner-friendly open-source programming language<\/li>
          • Drag-and-drop programming capability (no coding expertise required)<\/li>
          • Includes a STELLA dataviewer for real-time data visualization and analysis<\/li><\/ul>

            Optional Add-ons<\/h2>
            • Cuvette attachment for liquid transmissivity measurements<\/li><\/ul>

              Applications<\/h2>
              • Spectral measurements of various land cover surfaces<\/li>
              • Environmental monitoring<\/li>
              • Educational demonstrations of remote sensing principles<\/li>
              • Data can be used to calculate reflectance from raw irradiance values<\/li><\/ul>

                Assembly<\/h2>

                STELLA-1.1 requires soldering skills and can be housed in 3D printed parts.\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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