As depicted by the countdown on the right hand side of this blog, there are now just 9 hours to the launch of the Galileo Project's GIOVE-A satellite.

The European Space Agency (ESA) are providing live coverage of the event via satellite link from Baikonur in the early hours of tomorrow morning. The ESA are hosting a European viewing and Surrey Satellite Technology are hosting the European launch press conference on site at the University of Surrey.

This blog aims to keep readers updated with news as the day progresses. Key events are the launch itself, scheduled for 5:19 am and the switch over from Starsem launch control to SSTL ground control on site at 9:01.

The ESA Television website provides details of live video for broadcasters and details of post-event material.

Europe's plans for its own global satellite navigation system take a massive step forward on 28 December with the launch of the GIOVE-A satellite from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

GIOVE-A, the Galileo In-Orbit Validation Element, is the first phase in the GALILEO project that aims to give Europe a rival network to the US-based GPS system.

Designed by Surrey Satellite Technology Limited (SSTL) in the UK, the GIOVE-A spacecraft will carry out a number of major GALILEO objectives - including securing relevant frequencies, validating key technologies such as rubidium clocks, characterising the orbital radiation environment and delivering signals broadcasting in parallel via twin transmission channels.

The most important items of the GIOVE-A payload are two rubidium atomic clocks and a navigation signal generator capable of transmitting codes and frequencies to be used by the 30 satellites that will eventually make up the GALILEO network.

These navigation frequencies are in the so-called Radio Navigation Satellite Service (RNSS) frequency allocations established by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) at around 1.5 GHz and in the 1.1-12 GHz range. Under current ITU regulatory provisions, RNSS signals from the GALILEO system must be brought into use by mid-2006 or risk being lost to other users.

Meanwhile, understanding the orbital environment is crucial because of the high levels of radiation present at the satellite?s 24,000 km medium Earth orbit (MEO). Much of the available data on this is held by the US as its GPS satellites operate in a similar orbit. However, independent measurements are considered crucial so that European components such as electronics and solar arrays can be radiation hardened sufficiently to ensure the longest life possible for the GALILEO network of satellites.

GIOVE-A was designed and built by SSTL, the UK-based company which has set the global benchmark for development and timely production of innovative low cost small satellites. At 660 kg and measuring 7-metres from tip-to-tip of its deployable solar array panels, GIOVE-A is the largest mini-satellite designed and built by SSTL to date and is also the basis of the Company's small Geostationary communications satellite product.

In fact SSTL's solution has already led to a Euro 100 million reduction in the overall cost to the European Space Agency (ESA) of the GALILEO project. In addition, SSTL designed, built, tested and delivered the GIOVE-A satellite within 27 months from contract award and met the stringent programme schedule objectives set by the ESA.

Over the years, the Company has developed an enviable reputation for producing and delivering successful satellites. As well as reduced cost and rapid satellite build times, the Company's flight proven and robust hardware ensures reduced mission risk - as demonstrated by 25 satellites built and launched by SSTL over 25 years for international customers with both civil and military applications.

Source: SSTL Press Release

With another micro-satellite ready for launch on 28th December, Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd., (SSTL) confirms its position as a leader in the design and supply of small cost-effective satellites. The company's continued commercial success reflects the culture fostered by the University of Surrey to encourage innovation in industry and commerce.

The University of Surrey is widely recognised as a world leader in research that can be transferred to practical applications for use in everyday life and attracts students worldwide. SSTL's vision of "changing the economics of space" by supplying highly advanced small satellites is no exception. Quicker and cheaper to build, SSTL's satellites have achieved a leading position in the face of growing demand for affordable access to space.

Developing commercial initiatives that deliver profitable results is a University of Surrey mantra. Since 2000, SSTL?s revenues have continued to grow by 20% per annum, reaching more than ?24m at end July 2005. The profits are reinvested to enhance the University's reputation as a world class research organisation.

This self-funding approach also contributes significantly to the UK's collective responsibility to advancing space technology. Despite collaboration between many of the leading EU member states, there is a growing need to increase investment if Europe is to maintain a strong presence in space projects - and SSTL continues to play a significant role.

Additionally, in the light of recent natural disasters and increased public concern, the need for a disaster monitoring satellite system has become topical. By providing a range of highly cost-effective micro-satellites, SSTL made a positive contribution to the high profile Disaster Monitoring Constellation (DMC) project. The satellites within the constellation are able to image anywhere on the surface of the earth, with a 24 hour revisit.

Located on the campus is the Surrey Space Centre (SSC), which works in conjunction with the commercial company, SSTL, to provide its Small Satellite Engineering Know-How Transfer and Training programme, known as KHTT. Attracted by the University's excellent international reputation, students from across the world study the entire satellite engineering process from mission definition to in-orbit commissioning. The 18 month course includes hands-on spacecraft engineering, and the knowledge gained is ideal for transfer to their own space programmes on their return. As a result, students trained at the University by SSTL have formed the nucleus of new space agencies in other countries.

According to Vice Chancellor Professor Chris Snowden, "The University of Surrey seeks to make a positive contribution to the world in which we live, by working to introduce new, effective technologies that make a real difference.

We are very proud of the achievements of SSTL. Their innovation and enterprise are a clear demonstration of how a small to medium size business (SME) can have a real impact in today's competitive markets. This example underpins the University's agenda to support the government's initiative in understanding how Higher Education Institutions can better meet the needs of SMEs."

Surrey Satellite Technology Limited is an enterprise company formed in 1985 by the University of Surrey to commercialise the results of its innovative small satellite engineering research. SSTL was the first professional organisation to offer low-cost small satellites with rapid response employing advanced terrestrial technologies. Over two decades, we have built a profitable business around our unique approach to space.

Today, SSTL employs over 200 staff and has been involved in 26 small satellite missions, making it the most successful and experienced small satellite supplier in the world.

Source: SSTL Press release

Posted by Robin Wolstenholme in In the news at 18:58 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)

Defined tags for this entry: giove-a, GNSS

Stevenage based Analyticon have been working with SSTL for over 2 years on the GIOVE-A satellite and are currently running simulations to ensure a successful launch.

Analyticon was responsible for designing the attitude control system for the satellite which will ensure that the satellite is pointing the right way whilst it travels round its orbit. The company has also been designing the orbit control system and orbit geometry .

It is also responsible for the mission analysis, including the eventual 'graveyard' orbit which will be implemented when the satellite has come to the end of its lifetime.

Analyticon website

Please note, "attitude control" is an industry term. For more details visit the link below.

Learn about attitude control