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  • DISCOVERER - Radical Redesign of Earth Observation Satellites for Sustained Operation at Significantly Low Altitudes

    Paper number

    IAC-17,D1,1,2,x41086

    Author

    Dr. Peter C.E Roberts, The University of Manchester, United Kingdom

    Coauthor

    Dr. Nicholas H. Crisp, The University of Manchester, United Kingdom

    Coauthor

    Dr. Steve Edmondson, The University of Manchester, United Kingdom

    Coauthor

    Dr. Sarah Haigh, The University of Manchester, United Kingdom

    Coauthor

    Mrs. Rachel Lyons, United Kingdom

    Coauthor

    Dr. Vitor Oiko, The University of Manchester, United Kingdom

    Coauthor

    Mr. Alejandro Macario Rojas, The University of Manchester, United Kingdom

    Coauthor

    Dr. Katharine Smith, The University of Manchester, United Kingdom

    Coauthor

    Dr. Jonathan Becedas, Elecnor Deimos Satellite Systems, Spain

    Coauthor

    Mr. Gerardo González, Elecnor Deimos Satellite Systems, Spain

    Coauthor

    Ms. Irene Vázquez, Elecnor Deimos Satellite Systems, Spain

    Coauthor

    Mr. Álvaro Braña, Elecnor Deimos Satellite Systems, Spain

    Coauthor

    Ms. Kelly Antonini, GomSpace ApS, Denmark

    Coauthor

    Mr. Kristian Bay, GomSpace ApS, Denmark

    Coauthor

    Mr. Leonardo Ghizoni, GomSpace ApS, Denmark

    Coauthor

    Mr. Victor Jungnell, GomSpace ApS, Denmark

    Coauthor

    Dr. Jonas Morsbøl, GomSpace ApS, Denmark

    Coauthor

    Mr. Tilman Binder, University of Stuttgart, Germany

    Coauthor

    Mr. Adam Boxberger, University of Stuttgart, Germany

    Coauthor

    Dr. Georg H. Herdrich, University of Stuttgart, Germany

    Coauthor

    Mr. Francesco Romano, Institute of Space Systems, Universität Stuttgart, Germany

    Coauthor

    Mr. Stefanos Fasoulas, University of Stuttgart, Germany

    Coauthor

    Dr. Daniel Garcia-Almiñana, UPC-BarcelonaTECH, Spain

    Coauthor

    Dr. Silvia Rodriguez-Donaire, UPC-BarcelonaTECH, Spain

    Coauthor

    Dr. Dhiren Kataria, University College London, United Kingdom

    Coauthor

    Dr. Mark Davidson, The Tech Toybox, United States

    Coauthor

    Prof. Ronald Outlaw, Mason School of Business, College of William and Mary, United States

    Coauthor

    Ms. Badia Belkouchi, Euroconsult, France

    Coauthor

    Mr. Alexis Conte, Euroconsult, France

    Coauthor

    Mr. Jose Santiago Perez Cano, Euroconsult, France

    Coauthor

    Ms. Rachel Villain, Euroconsult, France

    Coauthor

    Ms. Barbara Heißerer, concentris research management gmbh, Germany

    Coauthor

    Ms. Ameli Schwalber, concentris research management gmbh, Germany

    Year

    2017

    Abstract
    DISCOVERER is a new 5.7 million Euro, 4.25 year Horizon 2020 funded project which aims to radically redesign Earth observation satellites for sustained operation at significantly lower altitudes.
    
    The satellite based Earth Observation/remote sensing market is one of the success stories of the space industry having seen significant growth in size and applications in recent times. With global revenues from Earth imagery and data services set to exceed 4 billion Euro by 2024 up from 2 billion Euro in 2014, the market can be said to be booming.
    
    Yet key design parameters for the satellites which provide the data for this market have remained largely unchanged, most noticeably the orbit altitude. Operating satellites at lower altitudes allows them to be smaller, less massive and less expensive whilst achieving the same or even better resolution and data products than current platforms. 
    
    However, at reduced orbital altitude the residual atmosphere produces drag which decreases the orbital lifetime, and aerodynamic perturbations challenge the ability of the platform to remain stable affecting image quality. DISCOVERER intends to overcome these challenges by carrying out foundational research in the aerodynamic characterisation of materials, in atmosphere-breathing electric propulsion for drag-compensation, and in active aerodynamic control methods. 
    
    In order to put these foundational developments in context, DISCOVERER will also develop advanced commercial and economic models of Earth observation systems which include these newly identified technologies. This will allow the optimum satellite designs for return on investment to be identified. DISCOVERER will also develop roadmaps defining the on-going activities needed to commercialise these new technologies and make very low Earth orbit, Earth observation platforms a reality.
    
    The DISCOVERER project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 737183.
    Abstract document

    IAC-17,D1,1,2,x41086.brief.pdf

    Manuscript document

    IAC-17,D1,1,2,x41086.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

    To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.