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.