Future Very High Resolution SAR & Optical Earth Observation Missions

Paper number

IAC-07-B4.4.03

Author

Mr. Boris Penné, OHB-System AG, Germany

Coauthor

Mr. Carsten Tobehn, OHB-System AG, Germany

Coauthor

Mr. Martin Kassebom, OHB-System AG, Germany

Coauthor

Mr. Sascha Mahal, OHB-System AG, Germany

Coauthor

Mr. Robert Greinacher, OHB-System AG, Germany

Year

2007

Abstract

Earth Observation (EO) has become indispensable for monitoring of terrestrial geo-physical processes and security applications. To fulfil dedicated user needs in the future, sustainable related services will require more and more high-quality geo-information data at resolutions down to less than 1 m, which need also to be provided by satellite-based instruments. Beside military reconnaissance, typical civil applications and users of this kind of very high resolution (VHR) data are for instance urban mapping and emergency response (natural disasters monitoring \& humanitarian aid).
Efficient environmental monitoring from space is therefore a fundamental necessity to provide reliable services on a global scale. Also the European initiative on Global Monitoring for Environment and Security (GMES) requires long-term contributions from independent co-operating missions providing frequent VHR data.
OHB-System and its partners have successfully developed and launched the SAR-Lupe satellite for VHR SAR imaging for military reconnaissance purposes. Based on this heritage the next generation platform for civil applications will be able to accommodate VHR payloads of both categories, optical as well as microwave (Synthetic Aperture Radar - SAR). 
This paper presents OHB's next generation platform core elements and will outline its performances to realize VHR missions supporting typical future EO applications. This platform provides a scaleable satellite approach, where special emphasis is placed on the platform conformity to accommodate various VHR payloads such as optical or SAR systems (reflector or planar array antennas).
The corresponding platform will provide exceptional capabilities to comply with corresponding payload requirements, such as high data rates and power demands, high agility and high-accuracy attitude control and pointing stabilities. Further, the platform's advantageous value-to-cost ratio and its modular approach enables it to fully adapt and comply with a wide range of mission objectives.

Abstract document

IAC-07-B4.4.03.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-07-B4.4.03.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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