ASTROSAT 500 - A Flight Proven New Generation of High Resolution Small Satellites Embarking Innovative Technologies
- Paper number
IAC-05-B1.2.03
- Author
Mr. Herve Lambert, EADS Astrium, France
- Year
2005
- Abstract
In May 2004 took place the launch of the first high resolution Earth observation satellite of a new generation developed by EADS Astrium. This 700kg satellite makes uses of innovative technologies in the optical instrument and avionics domains. It yields 2m spatial resolution at an altitude of 900km. After several months in orbit, the satellite behaviour is as predicted and the imaging performance are excellent, making this new generation of satellite a worldwide reference for high performance affordable Earth observation systems. The avionics relies on a centralized architecture, an innovative AOCS hybridizing measurements from GPS and stellar sensors, and an inertial reference unit. The robustness of the safe mode based on the B-dot law is now proven in-orbit. The AOCS together with a compact configuration allows a fairly agile capability allowing imaging several consecutive scenes off-track. The camera makes use of an all Silicon Carbide (SiC) aperture optical telescope ( theta 600 mm), leading to a simple, very stable, and low mass design, with a straightforward thermal control. The focal plane includes linear CCD arrays, one operated at a high data rate for panchromatic imaging, and four, in-field separated, for multispectral imaging. The satellite is designed for simple flight operations, large data collection capability, and large versatility of payload and missions. It is compatible of small to medium class of launch vehicle ( theta 2 m fairing). The satellite design can adapted to other high performance Earth observation missions, including sharper resolution imaging. Another model to be launched in 2007 is currently under realisation by EADS Astrium.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-05-B1.2.03.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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