New Technologies to Enhance Earth Observation Missions

Paper number

IAC-08.B1.I.3

Author

Mr. Simon Chalkley, Systems Engineering & Assessment Ltd, United Kingdom

Coauthor

Dr. David Summers, Systems Engineering & Assessment Ltd, United Kingdom

Coauthor

Dr. Adam Mawby, Systems Engineering & Assessment Ltd, United Kingdom

Year

2008

Abstract

This paper summarises a number of studies performed to enhance the capabilities within Europe for Earth Observation. There are three main threads to this paper which are ; 1) the way forward for In Orbit Demonstration of small satellites with novel technology, 2) the potential use of formation flying in LEO to enhance missions such as bistatic SAR and RF monitoring, and 3) the use of multi-satellite sparse apertures to enhance the performance of L-Band radiometer payloads (eg SMOS mission).
The first subject relates to a current study which is based upon the successful experience of missions like Proba and Giove-A. These have shown that the adoption of flexible development techniques can significantly speed up the time taken to achieve new technologies in orbit. This provides flight heritage for new technology to be adopted in operational missions and improves the European independence for new technology for space applications.
The second subject shows the results of a formation flying study which investigated the applicability of many EO techniques for formation flying. While the benefits for many are not immediately apparent there were two domains which can potentially be improved and would be worthy of further study, namely; BiStatic SAR and the Monitoring of Earth or Space RF sources.
The third subject shows the results of a detailed assessment of the use of sparse distributed apertures for radiometry using multiple satellites flying in a very controlled and close formation. Particular attention is given to the spatial and radiometric resolution achievable with different sparse configurations. The system requirements associated with such a satellite cluster are also given. 

Abstract document

IAC-08.B1.I.3.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-08.B1.I.3.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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