URL: /1024/en/gallery/astrium/satellites/earch_observation.html
DATE: 2009-01-08T20:00+0100
ASTRIUM 
 

Earth Observation

Artist's impression of the ice research satellite CryoSat-2. The Astrium built satellite will measure the sea ice thickness and changes at the land ice margins with previously unattained precision. Cryosat-2 will operate for 3.5 years from 720 km altitude.

Artist's impression of the ice research satellite CryoSat-2. The Astrium built satellite will measure the sea ice thickness and changes at the land ice margins with previously unattained precision. Cryosat-2 will operate for 3.5 years from 720 km altitude.

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© EADS

CryoSat-2: A Satellite on an Icy Missionphoto : Satellite structure of Cryosat-2

CryoSat-2: A Satellite on an Icy Mission
photo : Satellite structure of Cryosat-2

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The satellite duo Pleiades is developed and built by Astrium on behalf of the French Space Agency CNES. They should replace the optical Spot Satellites. The satellites simultaneously encircling the earth should reach a resolution of 70 cm.

The satellite duo Pleiades is developed and built by Astrium on behalf of the French Space Agency CNES. They should replace the optical Spot Satellites. The satellites simultaneously encircling the earth should reach a resolution of 70 cm.

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The satellites of the Spot Series are optical earth observation satellites. Spot 5 was started in 2002. The high resolution stereoscope HRS, with which digital ground model for applications for 3D-card generation can be generated, is located on board. Spot 5 supplies images with a resolution of 2.5 meters. The Spot Series is based on multi-purpose satellite platforms, which was developed for the French Space Agency CNES. These were also used for other European earth observation satellites such as for ERS-1 and ERS-2, Envisat and Metop and the military observation satellites Helios.

The satellites of the Spot Series are optical earth observation satellites. Spot 5 was started in 2002. The high resolution stereoscope HRS, with which digital ground model for applications for 3D-card generation can be generated, is located on board. Spot 5 supplies images with a resolution of 2.5 meters. The Spot Series is based on multi-purpose satellite platforms, which was developed for the French Space Agency CNES. These were also used for other European earth observation satellites such as for ERS-1 and ERS-2, Envisat and Metop and the military observation satellites Helios.

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© EADS ASTRIUM / Image D. Apikian

MetOp during integration at Astrium in Friedrichshafen: the weather satellite MetOp (Meteorological operational polar satellite) was developed by a consortium of European industrial enterprise under guidance of main contractor Astrium. MetOp provides data for medium-term weather forecasts and long-term climate and environmental research. MetOp-A, the first member of a new family of three European satellites designed to monitor the atmosphere from Low Earth Orbit, was launched from Kazakhstan on 19 October 2006. The next two MetOp satellites will be launched at five-year intervals. In total, the programme will be operational for at least 14 years, each satellite having an expected lifetime of five years.Astrium take the total responsibility for the final integration and preparation of starting the three MetOp satellites.for the French Space Agency CNES. These were also used for other European earth observation satellites such as for ERS-1 and ERS-2, Envisat and Metop and the military observation satellites Helios.

MetOp during integration at Astrium in Friedrichshafen: the weather satellite MetOp (Meteorological operational polar satellite) was developed by a consortium of European industrial enterprise under guidance of main contractor Astrium. MetOp provides data for medium-term weather forecasts and long-term climate and environmental research. MetOp-A, the first member of a new family of three European satellites designed to monitor the atmosphere from Low Earth Orbit, was launched from Kazakhstan on 19 October 2006. The next two MetOp satellites will be launched at five-year intervals. In total, the programme will be operational for at least 14 years, each satellite having an expected lifetime of five years.
Astrium take the total responsibility for the final integration and preparation of starting the three MetOp satellites.for the French Space Agency CNES. These were also used for other European earth observation satellites such as for ERS-1 and ERS-2, Envisat and Metop and the military observation satellites Helios.

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© EADS ASTRIUM / Photo C. Mériaux

The environment satellite Aeolus, which second so-called core mission of the Earth Explorer Programme of the ESA, will observe the wind movements across the earth´s surface and measure in three dimensions. Here a vertical resolution should be achieved, which does justice to the requirements of the World Organisation for Meteorology WMO for the climatic research and weather forecasting. This was not achieved previously by any other satellite mission. Astrium is main industrial contractor. The electric equipment of 1.5 ton research satellites is developed in Germany, at Friedrichshafen site.

The environment satellite Aeolus, which second so-called core mission of the Earth Explorer Programme of the ESA, will observe the wind movements across the earth´s surface and measure in three dimensions. Here a vertical resolution should be achieved, which does justice to the requirements of the World Organisation for Meteorology WMO for the climatic research and weather forecasting. This was not achieved previously by any other satellite mission. Astrium is main industrial contractor. The electric equipment of 1.5 ton research satellites is developed in Germany, at Friedrichshafen site.

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The double satellite GRACE (Gravity Recovery And Climate Experiment) is a project for exact determination of earth´s gravitation field in a low orbit. On account of their correlated orbit, they got the nickname "Tom" and "Jerry". The satellites were started on 17th March 2002 and work on the SST Principle (Satellite to Satellite Tracking); they encircle the earth on the same path at about 200 km distance and continuously measure the reciprocal distance with microwaves. This helps in analysing irregularities of the gravitation field with higher precision, although the gravity anomaly in some hundred kilometres height constitutes clearly lesser than on the Earth´s surface. The twin satellites were built by EADS Astrium.

The double satellite GRACE (Gravity Recovery And Climate Experiment) is a project for exact determination of earth´s gravitation field in a low orbit. On account of their correlated orbit, they got the nickname "Tom" and "Jerry". The satellites were started on 17th March 2002 and work on the SST Principle (Satellite to Satellite Tracking); they encircle the earth on the same path at about 200 km distance and continuously measure the reciprocal distance with microwaves. This helps in analysing irregularities of the gravitation field with higher precision, although the gravity anomaly in some hundred kilometres height constitutes clearly lesser than on the Earth´s surface. The twin satellites were built by EADS Astrium.

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MetOp during integration at Astrium in Friedrichshafen: the weather satellite MetOp (Meteorological operational polar satellite) was developed by a consortium of European industrial enterprise under guidance of main contractor Astrium. MetOp provides data for medium-term weather forecasts and long-term climate and environmental research. MetOp-A, the first member of a new family of three European satellites designed to monitor the atmosphere from Low Earth Orbit, was launched from Kazakhstan on 19 October 2006. The next two MetOp satellites will be launched at five-year intervals. In total, the programme will be operational for at least 14 years, each satellite having an expected lifetime of five years.Astrium take the total responsibility for the final integration and preparation of starting the three MetOp satellites.for the French Space Agency CNES. These were also used for other European earth observation satellites such as for ERS-1 and ERS-2, Envisat and Metop and the military observation satellites Helios.

MetOp during integration at Astrium in Friedrichshafen: the weather satellite MetOp (Meteorological operational polar satellite) was developed by a consortium of European industrial enterprise under guidance of main contractor Astrium. MetOp provides data for medium-term weather forecasts and long-term climate and environmental research. MetOp-A, the first member of a new family of three European satellites designed to monitor the atmosphere from Low Earth Orbit, was launched from Kazakhstan on 19 October 2006. The next two MetOp satellites will be launched at five-year intervals. In total, the programme will be operational for at least 14 years, each satellite having an expected lifetime of five years.
Astrium take the total responsibility for the final integration and preparation of starting the three MetOp satellites.for the French Space Agency CNES. These were also used for other European earth observation satellites such as for ERS-1 and ERS-2, Envisat and Metop and the military observation satellites Helios.

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© EADS

Surrounding the Earth on a polar orbit at an altitude of 514 kilometers, TerraSAR-X - with its active antenna - will collect new-quality X-band radar data at a resolution of up to 1 meter of the entire planet. TerraSAR-X opens up a broad range of applications. It will benefit to the commercial sector, government agencies and scientific establishments. With the system s ability to operate regardless of cloud coverage and illumination, it makes it possible to rapidly generate an up-to-date map of large areas, in particular extensive forest and mountain regions. Many countries are also interested in quantifying forested resources and forest biomass. TerraSAR-X data could also be used as a German contribution to the European action plan GMES. One of the application fields for TerraSAR-X data is reconnaissance (intelligence services, reconnaissance aircraft and relief organisations) by data acquisition in near real-time. It can be helped in order to make a rapidly and cost-effectively take stock of wind-damaged areas in the aftermath of a hurricane for instance. Up-to-date maps make it easier to coordinate humanitarian aid projects and subsequent reconstruction efforts following natural disasters in every corner of the world. And radar maps can also be used for strategic reconnaissance and troop deployment in conflict zones. TerraSAR-X is the first German satellite to be built in a Public Private Partnership (PPP) between DLR and Astrium, Europe's leading space company.

Surrounding the Earth on a polar orbit at an altitude of 514 kilometers, TerraSAR-X - with its active antenna - will collect new-quality X-band radar data at a resolution of up to 1 meter of the entire planet. TerraSAR-X opens up a broad range of applications. It will benefit to the commercial sector, government agencies and scientific establishments. With the system s ability to operate regardless of cloud coverage and illumination, it makes it possible to rapidly generate an up-to-date map of large areas, in particular extensive forest and mountain regions. Many countries are also interested in quantifying forested resources and forest biomass. TerraSAR-X data could also be used as a German contribution to the European action plan GMES. One of the application fields for TerraSAR-X data is reconnaissance (intelligence services, reconnaissance aircraft and relief organisations) by data acquisition in near real-time. It can be helped in order to make a rapidly and cost-effectively take stock of wind-damaged areas in the aftermath of a hurricane for instance. Up-to-date maps make it easier to coordinate humanitarian aid projects and subsequent reconstruction efforts following natural disasters in every corner of the world. And radar maps can also be used for strategic reconnaissance and troop deployment in conflict zones. TerraSAR-X is the first German satellite to be built in a Public Private Partnership (PPP) between DLR and Astrium, Europe's leading space company.

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© EADS

AEOLUS ALADIN - The environment satellite Aeolus, the second so-called core mission of the Earth Explorer Programme of the ESA, will observe the wind movements across the earth´s surface. EADS Astrium is main industrial contractor.

AEOLUS ALADIN - The environment satellite Aeolus, the second so-called core mission of the Earth Explorer Programme of the ESA, will observe the wind movements across the earth´s surface. EADS Astrium is main industrial contractor.

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For the Thailand s earth observation system THEOS a contract was signed with the Thai Ministry for Science and Technologies and the Thai Space Travel Agency GISTDA, which includes the building and the starting of an optical satellite, the development of the ground stations required for operating and controlling the satellites in Thailand and the supply of most modern equipments for image archiving and processing. THEOS is based on the latest generation of powerful optical AstroSat earth observation satellites of EADS Astrium and profits from a rich treasure of experiences of the company, from operating with the fleet of the weather satellites SPOT and MetOp. An intensive training of the Thai engineers and the participation in Astrium development team are also part of the THEOS contract. The company is totally convinced by the fact that this cooperation will smooth the path for a further development of the GISTDA and space travel activities in Thailand. The THEOS useful load offers high resolution of 2 m in panchromatic mode and a large view field in multi-spectral mode and is tailor made for the Thai requirements with ability for global image recordings. GISTDA is owner and operator of THEOS and will supply Thailand with satellite supported Geo-information and image processing products for various applications - cartography, farming, forestry, coast monitoring, catastrophe management in case of floods. THEOS enables the data access all over in Thailand in less than two days.In the photo you can see the assembly of optical system at the Astrium.

For the Thailand s earth observation system THEOS a contract was signed with the Thai Ministry for Science and Technologies and the Thai Space Travel Agency GISTDA, which includes the building and the starting of an optical satellite, the development of the ground stations required for operating and controlling the satellites in Thailand and the supply of most modern equipments for image archiving and processing. THEOS is based on the latest generation of powerful optical AstroSat earth observation satellites of EADS Astrium and profits from a rich treasure of experiences of the company, from operating with the fleet of the weather satellites SPOT and MetOp. An intensive training of the Thai engineers and the participation in Astrium development team are also part of the THEOS contract. The company is totally convinced by the fact that this cooperation will smooth the path for a further development of the GISTDA and space travel activities in Thailand. The THEOS useful load offers high resolution of 2 m in panchromatic mode and a large view field in multi-spectral mode and is tailor made for the Thai requirements with ability for global image recordings. GISTDA is owner and operator of THEOS and will supply Thailand with satellite supported Geo-information and image processing products for various applications - cartography, farming, forestry, coast monitoring, catastrophe management in case of floods. THEOS enables the data access all over in Thailand in less than two days.
In the photo you can see the assembly of optical system at the Astrium.

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Envisat is the successor of the ERS satellites of the ESA and was built by a consortium from 50 companies under guidance of Astrium. It adds the hitherto most extensive observations of the land masses, oceans, atmosphere and ice caps with its 10 instruments. Envisat helps the scientists to better understand the influence of changes on our climate and among others to provide answers to following questions: Is the ozone hole growing? To what extent are the greenhouse gases collecting in the atmosphere? What is the position of the El-Niño current? What is the condition of the rainforest? How fast are the polar ice caps melting?Envisat was started with an Ariane 5 in March 2002 by European space station Kourou and French Guyana.

Envisat is the successor of the ERS satellites of the ESA and was built by a consortium from 50 companies under guidance of Astrium. It adds the hitherto most extensive observations of the land masses, oceans, atmosphere and ice caps with its 10 instruments. Envisat helps the scientists to better understand the influence of changes on our climate and among others to provide answers to following questions: Is the ozone hole growing? To what extent are the greenhouse gases collecting in the atmosphere? What is the position of the El-Niño current? What is the condition of the rainforest? How fast are the polar ice caps melting?
Envisat was started with an Ariane 5 in March 2002 by European space station Kourou and French Guyana.

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© EADS

The weather satellite MetOp (Meteorological operational polar satellite) was developed by a consortium of European industrial enterprise under guidance of main contractor Astrium. MetOp provides data for medium-term weather forecasts and long-term climate and environmental research. MetOp-A, the first member of a new family of three European satellites designed to monitor the atmosphere from Low Earth Orbit, was launched from Kazakhstan on 19 October 2006. The next two MetOp satellites will be launched at five-year intervals. In total, the programme will be operational for at least 14 years, each satellite having an expected lifetime of five years.Astrium take the total responsibility for the final integration and preparation of starting the three MetOp satellites.

The weather satellite MetOp (Meteorological operational polar satellite) was developed by a consortium of European industrial enterprise under guidance of main contractor Astrium. MetOp provides data for medium-term weather forecasts and long-term climate and environmental research. MetOp-A, the first member of a new family of three European satellites designed to monitor the atmosphere from Low Earth Orbit, was launched from Kazakhstan on 19 October 2006. The next two MetOp satellites will be launched at five-year intervals. In total, the programme will be operational for at least 14 years, each satellite having an expected lifetime of five years.

Astrium take the total responsibility for the final integration and preparation of starting the three MetOp satellites.

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© EADS

Surrounding the Earth on a polar orbit at an altitude of 514 kilometers, TerraSAR-X - with its active antenna - will collect new-quality X-band radar data at a resolution of up to 1 meter of the entire planet. TerraSAR-X opens up a broad range of applications. It will benefit to the commercial sector, government agencies and scientific establishments. With the system s ability to operate regardless of cloud coverage and illumination, it makes it possible to rapidly generate an up-to-date map of large areas, in particular extensive forest and mountain regions. Many countries are also interested in quantifying forested resources and forest biomass. TerraSAR-X data could also be used as a German contribution to the European action plan GMES. One of the application fields for TerraSAR-X data is reconnaissance (intelligence services, reconnaissance aircraft and relief organisations) by data acquisition in near real-time. It can be helped in order to make a rapidly and cost-effectively take stock of wind-damaged areas in the aftermath of a hurricane for instance. Up-to-date maps make it easier to coordinate humanitarian aid projects and subsequent reconstruction efforts following natural disasters in every corner of the world. And radar maps can also be used for strategic reconnaissance and troop deployment in conflict zones. TerraSAR-X is the first German satellite to be built in a Public Private Partnership (PPP) between DLR and Astrium, Europe's leading space company.

Surrounding the Earth on a polar orbit at an altitude of 514 kilometers, TerraSAR-X - with its active antenna - will collect new-quality X-band radar data at a resolution of up to 1 meter of the entire planet. TerraSAR-X opens up a broad range of applications. It will benefit to the commercial sector, government agencies and scientific establishments. With the system s ability to operate regardless of cloud coverage and illumination, it makes it possible to rapidly generate an up-to-date map of large areas, in particular extensive forest and mountain regions. Many countries are also interested in quantifying forested resources and forest biomass. TerraSAR-X data could also be used as a German contribution to the European action plan GMES. One of the application fields for TerraSAR-X data is reconnaissance (intelligence services, reconnaissance aircraft and relief organisations) by data acquisition in near real-time. It can be helped in order to make a rapidly and cost-effectively take stock of wind-damaged areas in the aftermath of a hurricane for instance. Up-to-date maps make it easier to coordinate humanitarian aid projects and subsequent reconstruction efforts following natural disasters in every corner of the world. And radar maps can also be used for strategic reconnaissance and troop deployment in conflict zones. TerraSAR-X is the first German satellite to be built in a Public Private Partnership (PPP) between DLR and Astrium, Europe's leading space company.

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© EADS

The island of Vanna, captured by TERRASAR-X, is located in Northern Norway.Surrounding the Earth on a polar orbit at an altitude of 514 kilometers, TerraSAR-X - with its active antenna - will collect new-quality X-band radar data at a resolution of up to 1 meter of the entire planet. TerraSAR-X opens up a broad range of applications. It will benefit to the commercial sector, government agencies and scientific establishments. With the system s ability to operate regardless of cloud coverage and illumination, it makes it possible to rapidly generate an up-to-date map of large areas, in particular extensive forest and mountain regions. Many countries are also interested in quantifying forested resources and forest biomass. TerraSAR-X data could also be used as a German contribution to the European action plan GMES. One of the application fields for TerraSAR-X data is reconnaissance (intelligence services, reconnaissance aircraft and relief organisations) by data acquisition in near real-time. It can be helped in order to make a rapidly and cost-effectively take stock of wind-damaged areas in the aftermath of a hurricane for instance. Up-to-date maps make it easier to coordinate humanitarian aid projects and subsequent reconstruction efforts following natural disasters in every corner of the world. And radar maps can also be used for strategic reconnaissance and troop deployment in conflict zones. TerraSAR-X is the first German satellite to be built in a Public Private Partnership (PPP) between DLR and Astrium, Europe's leading space company.

The island of Vanna, captured by TERRASAR-X, is located in Northern Norway.

Surrounding the Earth on a polar orbit at an altitude of 514 kilometers, TerraSAR-X - with its active antenna - will collect new-quality X-band radar data at a resolution of up to 1 meter of the entire planet. TerraSAR-X opens up a broad range of applications. It will benefit to the commercial sector, government agencies and scientific establishments. With the system s ability to operate regardless of cloud coverage and illumination, it makes it possible to rapidly generate an up-to-date map of large areas, in particular extensive forest and mountain regions. Many countries are also interested in quantifying forested resources and forest biomass. TerraSAR-X data could also be used as a German contribution to the European action plan GMES. One of the application fields for TerraSAR-X data is reconnaissance (intelligence services, reconnaissance aircraft and relief organisations) by data acquisition in near real-time. It can be helped in order to make a rapidly and cost-effectively take stock of wind-damaged areas in the aftermath of a hurricane for instance. Up-to-date maps make it easier to coordinate humanitarian aid projects and subsequent reconstruction efforts following natural disasters in every corner of the world. And radar maps can also be used for strategic reconnaissance and troop deployment in conflict zones. TerraSAR-X is the first German satellite to be built in a Public Private Partnership (PPP) between DLR and Astrium, Europe's leading space company.

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The SMOS satellite is based on an innovative instrument (Microwave Interferometric Radiometer with Aperture Synthesis_MIRAS) which will meassure the electromagnetic brilliance of the Earth in L-band, to obtain, after post-processing, global maps of the Earth's Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity every 3 days. The SMOS mission is the second Earth Explorer mission of ESA, to enhance our understanding of the water cycle of our planet.

The SMOS satellite is based on an innovative instrument (Microwave Interferometric Radiometer with Aperture Synthesis_MIRAS) which will meassure the electromagnetic brilliance of the Earth in L-band, to obtain, after post-processing, global maps of the Earth's Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity every 3 days. The SMOS mission is the second Earth Explorer mission of ESA, to enhance our understanding of the water cycle of our planet.

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© EADS

The SMOS satellite is based on an innovative instrument (Microwave Interferometric Radiometer with Aperture Synthesis_MIRAS) which will meassure the electromagnetic brilliance of the Earth in L-band, to obtain, after post-processing, global maps of the Earth's Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity every 3 days. The SMOS mission is the second Earth Explorer mission of ESA, to enhance our understanding of the water cycle of our planet.

The SMOS satellite is based on an innovative instrument (Microwave Interferometric Radiometer with Aperture Synthesis_MIRAS) which will meassure the electromagnetic brilliance of the Earth in L-band, to obtain, after post-processing, global maps of the Earth's Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity every 3 days. The SMOS mission is the second Earth Explorer mission of ESA, to enhance our understanding of the water cycle of our planet.

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© EADS

LOLA (Liaison Optique Laser Aeroportee) is a French national demonstrator programme to achieve an optical link between an airborne carrier representative of the future medium- and high-altitude UAVs (MALE and HALE) and ESA´s Artemis geo-stationary communications satellite. EADS Astrium is prime on this programme, which is operational from 2006. It will be used to characterise the propagation of light beams in the atmosphere and to validate the system performance capabilities of the link. The link will be used for secure transmission of information received from UAVs by operation centres a few thousand kilometres away, within about one second and at very high data rates. This high-capacity datastream will considerably reduce the time needed to transmit information from the theatre of operation, will improve control of information and will bring significant operational advantages.

LOLA (Liaison Optique Laser Aeroportee) is a French national demonstrator programme to achieve an optical link between an airborne carrier representative of the future medium- and high-altitude UAVs (MALE and HALE) and ESA´s Artemis geo-stationary communications satellite. EADS Astrium is prime on this programme, which is operational from 2006. It will be used to characterise the propagation of light beams in the atmosphere and to validate the system performance capabilities of the link. The link will be used for secure transmission of information received from UAVs by operation centres a few thousand kilometres away, within about one second and at very high data rates. This high-capacity datastream will considerably reduce the time needed to transmit information from the theatre of operation, will improve control of information and will bring significant operational advantages.

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© EADS

Artist's view of the satellite GOCE. The GOCE (Gravity Field and steady state Ocean Circulation Explorer) ESA Mission, will provide measurements of gravitational gradients, in order to obtain global and very precise models of the Earth's gravitational field and its Geoid. Its structure is made in carbon fibre composite due to the stringent requiremnents for dimensional stability and rigidity, in an operational tmperature environment of +160ºC /-170ºC.

Artist's view of the satellite GOCE. The GOCE (Gravity Field and steady state Ocean Circulation Explorer) ESA Mission, will provide measurements of gravitational gradients, in order to obtain global and very precise models of the Earth's gravitational field and its Geoid. Its structure is made in carbon fibre composite due to the stringent requiremnents for dimensional stability and rigidity, in an operational tmperature environment of +160ºC /-170ºC.

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© EADS

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