After six months successful operations in low earth orbit: data processing system architecture and lessons learned from the LisR mission

The LisR (Longwave Infrared Sensing demonstrator) mission was a successful technology demonstrator mission conducted on the Nanoracks Experimental Platform (NREP) outside the International Space Station (ISS). Launched in February 2022, the mission aimed to monitor the Earth's surface temperature using a cryo-cooled thermal infrared imager. The system components were based on commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) components, following a New Space approach. To ensure the robust operation of the COTS electronics in the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) environment, various protective measures and operational precautions were implemented. During its nearly six months in orbit, with four and a half months of operation and three and a half months of active imaging, the LisR mission achieved significant success. The payload acquired over 9.3 million frames and captured approximately 500 million km2 of land surface, providing a valuable dataset for ongoing and future research. This mission also showcased Fraunhofer EMI's onboard Data Processing unit for small satellites which is also used in in succeeding missions. While LisR had limitations of a rapid new space mission, it also serves as a prime example of how such an approach enables missions with limited budgets and tight schedules to achieve remarkable results.