Cost-Effective Earth Observation Missions - Outcomes and Visions of the International IAA Study
- Paper number
IAC-06-B5.4.04
- Author
Dr. Rainer Sandau, Deutsches Zentrum fur Luft und Raumfahrt e.V. (DLR), Germany
- Coauthor
Mr. Jaime Esper, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), United States
- Coauthor
Dr. Larry Paxton, The John Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, United States
- Year
2006
- Abstract
Cost-effective missions can be achieved by using different approaches and methods. One possible approach takes full advantage of ongoing technology development efforts leading to miniaturization of engineering components, development of micro-technologies for sensors and instruments, and others which allow the design of dedicated, well-focused Earth observation missions. Application Specific Integrated Micro-instruments (ASIM) are enabled by Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) using microelectronics for data processing, signal conditioning, power conditioning, and communications. These micro- and nano-technologies have led to the concepts of nano- and pico-satellites, constructed by stacking wafer-scale ASIMs together with solar cells and antennas on the exterior surface. Space sensor webs are one outcrop of this technology. Further milestones in the cost-effective Earth observation mission developments are the availability and improvement of small launchers, the development of small ground station networks connected with rapid and cost-effective data distribution methods, and cost-effective management and quality assurance procedures. Since the advent of modern technologies, small satellites have also been perceived to offer an opportunity for countries with a modest research budget and little or no experience in space technology, to enter the field of space-borne Earth observation and its applications. This is very much in line with the charter of the IAA Study Group on Small Satellite Missions for Earth Observation. One of its intentions is to bring within the reach of every country the opportunity to operate small satellite Earth observation missions and utilize the data effectively at low costs, as well as to develop and build application-driven missions. In this context the study group supports all activities to develop and promote concepts and processes by various user communities to conduct or participate in Earth observation missions using small, economical satellites, and associated launches, ground stations, data distributions structures, and space system management approaches. More generally cost-effective Earth observation missions are supported by four contemporary trends: • Advances in electronic miniaturization and associated performance capability; • The recent appearance on the market of new small launchers (e.g. through the use of modified military missiles to launch small satellites); • The possibility of ‘independence’ in space: small satellites can provide an affordable way for many countries to achieve Earth observation capability without relying on inputs from the major space-faring nations; • Ongoing reduction in mission complexity as well as in those costs associated with management; with meeting safety regulations etc. The advantages of small satellite missions, complementing the large complex missions are: • more frequent mission opportunities and therefore faster return of science and application data • larger variety of missions and therefore also greater diversification of potential users • more rapid expansion of the technical and/or scientific knowledge base • greater involvement of local and small industry. This Study provides a definition of cost-effective Earth observation missions, information about background material and organizational support, shows the cost drivers and how to achieve cost-effective missions, and provides a chapter dedicated to training and education. The focus is on the status quo and prospects of applications in the field of Earth observation. Finally, conclusions and recommendations are summarized in terms of • more general facts that drive the small satellite mission activities, • outcomes from the background material used in the study which show that good work have been done before and the lessons learned process started soon after beginning of the small satellite activities, • additional outcomes of the study which go beyond the information of the background material, and • some visions concerning the future of cost-effective Earth observation missions.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-06-B5.4.04.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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