Growth and development of the DMC; New satellites and new members in the international constellation building a sustainable EO system.

Paper number

IAC-08.B1.1.7

Author

Mr. Paul Stephens, DMC International Imaging Ltd., United Kingdom

Coauthor

Mr. David Hodgson, DMC International Imaging Ltd., United Kingdom

Coauthor

Dr. Stephen Mackin, DMC International Imaging Ltd., United Kingdom

Coauthor

Mr. Owen Hawkins, DMC International Imaging Ltd., United Kingdom

Coauthor

Mr. Gary Crowley, United Kingdom

Year

2008

Abstract

The Disaster Monitoring Constellation (DMC) is a unique demonstration of the value of international cooperation in space. The DMC is a coordinated constellation of satellites each owned and operated by a different nation for its own programme.   However the DMC Consortium members work together to provide coordinated daily imaging capability for disaster relief, and commercial and environmental imaging campaigns around the world.   

Through the synergy of multiple spacecraft coordinated in sun synchronous orbit, the whole DMC system is able to achieve more than any individual satellite.  Each Member benefits from being part of the Consortium by gaining the support of other Member satellites and groundstations for specific national programmes.  

Coordination and management of campaigns (outside each nation’s own territory) is provided by DMC International Imaging Ltd (DMCii), which also markets and licences data on behalf of the DMC Consortium.
DMCii develops a market for DMC data and returns data licence royalties to satellite owners for their participation in international commercial campaigns.

The coordination of imaging campaigns with different nations depends on good international cooperation. 
This paper reviews the achievements and lessons learned from the development and coordination of the DMC and the establishment of reliable and responsive commercial and disaster response systems.  It also introduces the latest DMC members and satellites that are joining the Consortium, including the UK DMC-2 satellite operated by DMCii.

Abstract document

IAC-08.B1.1.7.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-08.B1.1.7.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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