Christoffer Karoff

With a research background in space technology, Christoffer Karoff, Associate professor at the Department of Geoscience and Department of Physics and Astronomy, advocates for more accurate strategies for environmental and climate protection by improving the measurement of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

His project will also strengthen Denmark’s position in the space industry’s global market.

PORTRAIT

“The solutions lie in space”

At the age of seven, Christoffer Karoff was glued to the screen whenever NASA launched its space shuttles.

Today, he is leading one of Denmark’s most ambitious satellite projects – and as a Distinguished Senior Innovator at Aarhus University, he wants to use space for something far more down-to-earth: to create real-world solutions.

Pure profile

Learn more about Christoffer Karoff's research, publications and academic activities on his Pure profile.

View pure profile here

Department of Geoscience

Christoffer Karoff is Associate Professor at the Department of Geoscience.

Learn more about the department here

DSI projects

The innovation project(s) that formed the basis for the appointment to the Distinguished Senior Innovator programme.

GHG Monitor

GHG-Monitor is a research and innovation project that aims to understand why Denmark's methane emissions appear to be significantly underestimated in official inventories.

The project builds on satellite-based analyses indicating that actual emissions may be up to 66% higher than previously estimated. To identify the sources behind this discrepancy, the project combines satellite data with new local measurements. A key element is a hyperspectral camera mounted on a drone, which is used to map methane emissions from biogas plants and other potential point sources.

Christoffer Karoff is the project lead, and the project is carried out in collaboration with PhD students Daniel Orozco and Sophie Vidal.

DISCOntaminate

DISCOntaminate is a student startup developing a method for monitoring pesticide use in agriculture using satellite data and machine learning.

The project uses data from the Copernicus Sentinel-2 satellites. By analysing changes in vegetation health (NDVI), algorithms can identify rapid declines in plant growth that may indicate the use of certain pesticides, for example in potato production. The aim is to develop a digital tool that can help authorities monitor compliance with pesticide regulations more effectively while improving groundwater protection. In the longer term, the solution could be combined with groundwater measurements to identify areas at particular risk of contamination.

Christoffer Karoff is the project lead and mentor.

Astro Drop

Astro Drop is a student-led space startup developing a low-cost de-orbit system for CubeSats.

New European regulations are expected to require satellites to be removed from orbit no later than five years after the end of their mission to reduce space debris. Many small satellite projects, particularly university missions, currently lack an affordable solution to meet this requirement. Astro Drop is therefore developing a simple and cost-effective system based on proven components that can help small satellite programmes comply with the upcoming regulations.

The project grew out of teaching in CubeSat technology at Aarhus University and is run by an interdisciplinary team of students from AU and DTU. Christoffer Karoff is the project lead and mentor.

DSI activities

Outreach initiatives aimed at inspiring more researchers to explore innovation and entrepreneurship.

ESA BIC Denmark

ESA BIC Denmark is Denmark's incubation programme for space-related startups and part of the European Space Agency's European network of Business Incubation Centres.

The programme helps entrepreneurs turn space technology and satellite data into commercial solutions in areas such as climate, energy, security and digital infrastructure. Aarhus University contributes to the programme through research, talent development and entrepreneurship activities. The collaboration creates a strong link between university research and new ventures, while giving students and researchers access to an international innovation ecosystem within the European space sector.

Christoffer Karoff is the AU Partner on the project.

Danish Student CubeSat Program DISCO

DISCO is Denmark's student-led CubeSat programme and serves as a hands-on educational platform where students learn to develop, build and operate real satellites.

The programme brings together students from several Danish universities, giving them practical experience in space technology, project management and entrepreneurship. At the same time, DISCO serves as an innovation pipeline where new ideas can develop into space technology startups. So far, the programme has contributed to the development of seven student-led space startups.

DISCO works closely with international partners and industry, giving Danish students a unique opportunity to become part of Europe's growing space economy.

Christoffer Karoff is the project lead.

Water from Space

Water from Space is an innovation challenge for young people, primarily students, focusing on water-related climate challenges and the use of space technology and other data-driven tools.

The three-day hackathon brings together young talent, companies, experts and public-sector organisations to tackle real-world water challenges and develop new ideas with the potential for further development.

The hackathon is also part of a broader mission to encourage young people to see advanced technology and space as natural starting points for innovation and entrepreneurship.

Christoffer Karoff - Distinguished Senior Innovator at Aarhus University