The next generation DMC small satellite platform for high-resolution imaging
- Paper number
IAC-05-B5.4.01
- Author
Mr. Andrew Cawthorne, Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd., United Kingdom
- Coauthor
Mr. Alex da Silva Curiel, Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd., United Kingdom
- Coauthor
Prof. Martin Sweeting, Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd., United Kingdom
- Year
2005
- Abstract
Small satellites have established themselves as key players in the field of Earth Observation. Surrey Satellite Technology, Ltd has made a significant contribution to the area of medium-resolution imaging, through the Disaster Monitoring Constellation (DMC) of satellites, which have now been operating in orbit for more than two years. SSTL is currently developing a new platform to support high-resolution imaging with a ground sample distance of 2.5m. This enhanced microsatellite platform is developed from the DMC+4 mission, which is currently under construction, and is due for launch in the middle of 2005. The new platform includes a combined 2.5m GSD panchromatic and 5m GSD multi-spectral imager (4-band). It also has the capability to support up to two additional imagers (for example hyperspectral, wide swath multi-spectral or un-cooled thermal infra-red). The 170kg satellite incorporates an advanced attitude control system supporting high levels of agility in both pitch and roll, which significantly increases the accessible ground area. The onboard data handling also offers one of the largest digital data storage systems ever to have flown in space, introducing the concept of an in-orbit data archive, from which images can be downlinked as required. An X-band ground station, to allow high-speed reception of image data, supports payload data downlink. In addition, the platform is fully redundant and has a highly robust design, through its rigid structure and body-mounted solar arrays. This paper presents the technical design of this next generation DMC platform, and supplies more detail on the system issues that have driven the design. The paper also touches on one area where small satellites can provide a distinct advantage over larger platforms - in meeting the needs for higher temporal resolution. A future constellation is envisaged consisting of several 2.5m imaging platforms, providing the capability of daily global high-resolution coverage. The drivers and capabilities of this new constellation will be discussed.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-05-B5.4.01.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.