Next generation DMC satellites for 2008 launch

Tuesday, October 9. 2007
Launch updates

SSTL is to launch two new enhanced Disaster Monitoring Constellation (DMC) satellites in the fourth quarter of 2008. Deimos-1, which was built for Deimos SL (Spain) and SSTL’s UK-DMC2 will be launched onboard a Dnepr rocket from the new Kosmotras launch site in southern Ural.

DEIMOS-1 will provide higher resolution imagery
Both Demios-1 and UK-DMC2 will carry an enhanced version of the DMC wide area imaging system, providing 600km wide swaths of the Earth in three spectral bands at a ground resolution of 22-metres. This is an advance on the current 32-metre DMC imager, which has been successfully providing imagery for over five years in the current constellation of five spacecraft. Additionally, the new spacecraft have over ten times the capacity for information provision. These significant enhancements reflect SSTL’s evolutionary approach to development that provides state of the art performance with minimal risk. The improved resolution and capacity enable the system to better meet European Global Monitoring for Environment and Security program needs, particularly in the areas of forestry and fire.

UK-DMC2 has been funded and developed by SSTL to continue the success of DMC International Imaging (DMCii), which commercially exploits the data and help ensure continuity of the unique service provided by the constellation of DMC satellites for disaster relief and humanitarian aid.

The launch contract has been signed with ISC Kosmotras, with Commercial Space Technologies (CST) acting as the interface between SSTL and the launch agency.

Deimos Imaging (DMI) is part of the Deimos Space Group, and is based in the Boecillo Technology Park, Madrid. DMI is led by the Spanish astronaut Pedro Duque and aims at offering products based on satellite-captured information for use in Earth observation applications. One of the most notable aspects of DMI is the vertical integration of the production chain, which includes its own capture capability through the Deimos-1 satellite, as well as a remote sensing laboratory boasting a high R&D&I capacity.

Posted by Robin Wolstenholme in DEIMOS, Launch updates at 14:39 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)
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Payload testing update

Wednesday, January 11. 2006
Launch updates

Yesterday, the payload clocks were tested. They lock to the required frequency and work correctly.

Today is the first switch-on of the RF transmission system of the payload, which will send the first Galileo navigation signals to the ground.

There will be more updates tomorrow.

Posted by Robin Wolstenholme in Launch updates, Technology at 16:26 | Comments (2) | Trackbacks (0)
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Real GIOVE-A mission commencing imminently

Tuesday, January 10. 2006
Launch updates

The main objective of GIOVE-A is to secure the frequency filing for the Galileo satellite navigation system with the ITU (International Telecommunication Union), which is fundamental to the operation of the Galileo project and a crucial first stage in the development schedule.

The payload will be switched on today (Tuesday 10th) or tomorrow so that the first of the two frequency bands can be tested. SSTL are running on schedule, so the operators have a few days spare time if required before the planned payload start.

The payload is operated as a single unit that will start transmitting the various signals at about the same time.

The ITU rules dictate that once the satellite is transmitting, there cannot be a break in transmission for more than 4 months. For this reason, the GIOVE-B satellite will provide a back-up system once launched to ensure that these crucial frequencies are secured.

Posted by Robin Wolstenholme in Launch updates at 08:43 | Comment (1) | Trackbacks (0)
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GIOVE-A satellite prepared for operation

Friday, January 6. 2006
Launch updates

The GIOVE-A is now in its final orbit, with transmission equipment earth pointing and solar panels sun-pointing as required. As such, the satellite is fully powered and ready to commence operations.

Posted by Robin Wolstenholme in Launch updates at 09:21 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)
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