From Request to Take-off in 28 Hours

On short notice, a hyperspectral camera from Norsk Elektro Optikk (NEO) was prepared in Oslo, installed aboard NORCE’s research aircraft LN-UAV in Tromsø, and tested the same evening. The following day, the aircraft flew over Melkøya to collect data that may contribute to the further development of airborne and satellite-based methane monitoring.

A Flying Laboratory

NORCE’s research aircraft serves as a flying laboratory for research and technology development. The aircraft is used for environmental monitoring, collection of reference data for satellite observations, and testing of new sensors, algorithms and software.

As Norway’s only dedicated research aircraft, LN-UAV makes it possible to carry out missions on short notice, without lengthy processes to secure and prepare a suitable airborne platform.

A Longstanding Collaboration in Hyperspectral Technology

The mission also builds on a long-standing collaboration between NORCE and NEO, one of the world’s leading companies in hyperspectral imaging. Trond Løke (NEO) and Agnar Sivertsen (NORCE) have worked together on the development and application of hyperspectral methods for around 25 years.

– Working with NEO makes us even stronger. The company is a world leader in hyperspectral imaging and brings extensive experience from survey flights around the globe. As a research institute, we learn from their expertise while contributing new research ideas of our own. That combination has proven highly successful, says Sivertsen.

Important National Infrastructure

Few countries have access to this type of research infrastructure. In Norway, the research aircraft is available to both research institutions and industry partners that need a platform for testing sensors, collecting data or developing new remote sensing methods.

The Melkøya mission is an example of what can be achieved when advanced technology, accessible infrastructure and experienced scientific teams can be mobilised quickly.