Present and future applications of remote sensing platforms
- Paper number
IAC-09.B1.I.5
- Author
Dr. Massimiliano Marcozzi, Thales Alenia Space Italia, Italy
- Coauthor
Mr. Leonardo Mazzini, ThalesAlenia Space, Italy
- Year
2009
- Abstract
The Remote sensing for Earth Observation (EO) missions cover a very large spectrum of applications and adopted instrumentation, therefore EO satellite are based on platforms capable of adaptation to very different instrument selection (Radio frequency, radar and optical sensors ), mission life time, and orbit selection. The Thales Alenia Space (TAS) can fulfill the requirements of large variety EO missions with its fleet of PRIMA bus family. This multi purpose bus with its 2 components PRIMA–H and PRIMA–S provides the versatility necessary for the different P/L and missions. The PRIMA bus has being already utilized by both international space agencies and commercial operators. The Cosmo SkyMed constellation with 3 satellite in orbit and one to be launched in 2009 and the Canadian Satellite RadarSat-2 are flying on a PRIMA platform. On going future Missions like ESA Sentinel-1, and the bus of Sentinel-3 use PRIMA concept and architecture, as well as ESA studies are often based on PRIMA bus to provide a common bus to different Earth observation missions. Capability of mission customization in terms of Power configuration (solar generators, battery), actuators (wheels size), allows space systems designers to adapt to mission requirements without limiting or over sizing platforms. Capability of P/L accommodation with peaks up to 1000 kg of mass and power in terms of KW, but same architecture can support both small and large satellite class missions. Modular approach and common building equipment philosophy allows minimum non recurring activity for the platform. Different payloads can be accommodated on the PRIMA bus, Radar sensors with their large and massive antennas in C or X band, altimeters, radiometers or in the optical science missions hyperspectral cameras and high resolution sensors telescopes. The platform performance are in line to fulfill each application necessity from high pointing and pointing stability, to attitude agility and the capability to fly different LEO orbits. Orbits selections typically impacts both platform configuration and power subsystem sizing due to the variable sun beta angle of the orbit. Thus the Platform versatility for the orbit envelopes is an important feature. The evolution of the platforms for the future and long term applications is in progress and attentively followed in TAS to cope with both technology progress and additional missions and customers request.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
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