Space blog - Launch updates

Proba-2 Goes Gas

nospam@example.com (Robin Wolstenholme) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 08:49:47 +0000

The European Space Agency (ESA) Proba-2 mission has entered its 2 month commissioning period following a successful launch. SSTL’s Microsatellite Gas Propulsion System is on-board the 137kg small satellite and was integrated by the satellite’s manufacturer Verhaert Space Systems.

The Microsatellite Gas Propulsion System is based upon SSTL’s heritage xenon resistojet propulsion system. Its highly cost effective design provides an enhancement over conventional cold gas propulsion.

SSTL's Gas Propulsion System

By using the resistojet thruster to heat the exhaust gas to over 300ºC a 30% increase in efficiency is gained. The electronically controlled pressure regulation improves thrust control compared to conventional mechanically regulated propulsion systems for greater positioning control in orbit.

The warm gas propulsion system is simpler, safer and cleaner than chemical propulsion systems. This makes them ideal for launcher injection correction, constellation station keeping and acquisition and orbit height maintenance for small, low cost spacecraft.

Proba-2 is the follow-on to the highly successful Proba-1 satellite launched in 2001 that carried the Compact High Resolution Imaging Sensor (CHRIS) payload manufactured by SSTL’s Optical Payloads Group. Proba-2 will demonstrate 17 advanced satellite technologies – such as miniaturised sensors for ESA's future space probes and a highly sophisticated CCD camera with a wide angle view of about 120 degrees – while carrying a set of four science instruments to observe the Sun and study the plasma environment in orbit.

A datasheet for the SSTL Microsatellite Gas Propulsion System is available on the SSTL Website.

UK-DMC2 prepared for launch

nospam@example.com (Robin Wolstenholme) — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 12:30:00 +0000

SSTL’s UK-DMC2 satellite has successfully completed pre-launch tests and is integrated with a Dnepr launch vehicle at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in readiness for launch on Wednesday, 29th July 2009 at 18:46 UTC, 19:46 BST.

SSTL satellite launch crew in Baikonur

UK-DMC2 and Deimos-1 integration

(To see more photos visit UK-DMC2 launch gallery

The new satellite will be operated by subsidiary company DMCii to provide an enhanced imaging capability and operational service to the Disaster Monitoring Constellation (DMC). UK-DMC2 has a number of enhancements over previous DMC spacecraft contributing to SSTL’s continuing evolutionary design approach.

UK-DMC2 carries a higher resolution optical payload which will provide 22m ground sample distance (GSD) images, compared with 32m GSD on the four operational satellites currently in the constellation. The 22m imagery has twice the data density of the 32m imagery without loss of Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) and maintains the ultra-wide 600+km swath.

The satellite carries two high-speed X-band transmitters that will both operate at 20Mbps or 80Mbps. This will enable the satellite to download images up to 10 times faster than previous DMC spacecraft. Storage capacity has increased from 1 to 1.5 GByte on the first generation of DMC spacecraft up to 12 GByte on UK-DMC2. These advancements, in combination with improved power generation and storage systems, will allow UK-DMC2 to rapidly map large areas such as Europe or other continents.

The advances in data throughput and power generation have enabled two new operational modes. Firstly, a near-real time imaging and downlink mode allows imagery acquired within a ~2000 km radius of a ground station to be downlinked within the same pass and, secondly, the implementation of a broadcast downlink mode that enables customers with a receive-only ground station to receive data directly from UK-DMC2.

These technology improvements not only make the satellite more flexible than previous designs, but also dramatically increase the operational imaging capacity by allowing the satellite to store and download much larger volumes of multi-spectral image data.

In practical terms, the increased imaging capacity means that the satellite has less “dead time”. By fully using the different modes available, this latest DMC satellite will be able to rapidly download significantly more image data than previously possible. The satellite does not need to wait until it has emptied the onboard storage before being re-tasked to acquire further images elsewhere.

As an example, DMCii annually provides coverage of the Amazon Basin. These coverage campaigns have taken 6 weeks to complete with two of the current DMC spacecraft. By comparison, UK-DMC2 on its own can cover the same area in just 11 days.

The 96kg UK-DMC2 satellite is based upon SSTL’s SSTL-100 small satellite platform, which uses solar cells integrated into the spacecraft’s surface to generate power. UK-DMC2 includes an additional deployable solar panel that will increase power generation by approximately 50%.

UK-DMC2 and Deimos-1 launch buzz

nospam@example.com (Robin Wolstenholme) — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 11:41:53 +0000

SSTL is currently a hive of activity as the two new DMC constellation satellites UK-DMC2 and Deimos-1 are prepared for launch on 25th July.

The Earth observation missions, UK-DMC2 and Deimos-1, will be launched onboard a Dnepr rocket from the Baikonur Cosmodrome on Saturday, 25th July 2009 at 18:46 UTC, 19:46 BST.

The spacecraft, which are both based on the 100kg class SSTL-100 micro satellite platform, will join the international Disaster Monitoring Constellation (DMC), expanding the constellation to six operational satellites. The new satellites will enhance DMC satellite daily imaging capacity for applications such as deforestation mapping, urban planning, natural resource management, security, agriculture and disaster relief operations.

To find out more about the UK-DMC2 satellite, earth observation applications that it will participate in and its role in international disaster relief efforts visit the UK-DMC2 pages on the SSTL website.
Continue reading "UK-DMC2 and Deimos-1 launch buzz"

How many spacecraft can you fit in a Dnepr?

nospam@example.com (Robin Wolstenholme) — Thu, 22 May 2008 14:44:55 +0000

Fit check in progress showing 2 RapidEye spaceraft.

This may sound like a familiar joke - but for the 5 RapidEye spacecraft built by SSTL a fit-check is an important preparation before the ultimate launch. The SSTL and MDA (the prime) launch teams visited the KB Yuznoye works at Dnepropetrovsk, April 14th – 18th, to conduct a spacecraft fit-check with the Dnepr launch vehicle.

Fit-check is an important event in the launch schedule as its purpose is to technically clear the way for successful integration of the flight spacecraft at the Cosmodrome.

The fit-check established that all the physical interfaces between the spacecraft and the launch vehicle were correct. During meetings, the launch teams were able to qualify the actual route of integration – an especially important activity when, as in this case, five spacecraft are being launched on a single launch vehicle.

So the answer, dear Space Blog reader is 5 - or at least 5 RapidEye spacecraft.

Next generation DMC satellites for 2008 launch

nospam@example.com (Robin Wolstenholme) — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 13:39:02 +0000

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.

Payload testing update

nospam@example.com (Robin Wolstenholme) — Wed, 11 Jan 2006 16:26:30 +0000

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.

Real GIOVE-A mission commencing imminently

nospam@example.com (Robin Wolstenholme) — Tue, 10 Jan 2006 08:43:10 +0000

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.

GIOVE-A satellite prepared for operation

nospam@example.com (Robin Wolstenholme) — Fri, 06 Jan 2006 09:21:00 +0000

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.

GIOVE-A deployment completed

nospam@example.com (Robin Wolstenholme) — Wed, 28 Dec 2005 11:19:13 +0000

12:20 - The second solar panel is deployed and the power system is operating nominally.

Congratulations to the SSTL, ESA, Starsem and everyone involved for making the mission a success!

GIOVE-A satellite deployment almost complete

nospam@example.com (Robin Wolstenholme) — Wed, 28 Dec 2005 10:45:15 +0000

9:06 - The satellite GIOVE-A has successfully separated from the Fregat and is communicating with SSTL ground control in Guildford, UK.

This initial step was crucial, validating the successful delivery of the satellite payload for the Galileo project. Good communications at this point are essential to complete the set up of the satellite.

Early communications also validated that the orbit is correct, although this will be known with greater precision in the next two weeks.

Now that the satellite has tested OK, the attitude control and communications teams in the busy mission control room are working to power the satellite. The satellite is launched with fully charged batteries, which are currently being used in combination with a small input from the un-deployed solar panels to power communications, heating and other electronic data processing such as control systems.

The batteries only store power for about 2 hours of operation, during which period the solar panels that will power the satellite must be deployed.

There is still work to be done. First, the satellite will measure its position relative to the sun, then it will find fix its position relative to the earth. Once the position is better known, the attitude control system helps orientate the satellite correctly so that communications equipment is Earth-pointing and the solar panels will be Sun-pointing.

The physical orientation of the satellite is carefully adjusted using wheels and butane thrusters on the satellite. Once the orientation is correct, the attitude control system ensures that the satellite is correctly oriented, slowly rotating as the satellite orbits the earth.

Finally, the solar panels will be deployed. This can only take place once the orientation is correct because the solar panels are very delicate and could be damaged if the satellite was still rotating with any speed. Because the solar panels are delicate, deployment is expected to take 10 � 15 minutes after which point the satellite can recharge its batteries and become fully operational.

11:48 - The first solar panel is successfully deployed!

Cheers to a successful launch!

nospam@example.com (Robin Wolstenholme) — Wed, 28 Dec 2005 08:04:20 +0000

At 5:18 this morning the tension was building at the University of Surrey as the the UK press, ESA members and Surrey Satellite Technology engineers were provided with a live video transmission of the GIOVE-A launch from Baikonur.

The clocks struck 5:19, igniting cheers from the crowd watching the Soyuz launch vehicle blast off. Cheers, that were mirrored at separate launch conferences in Paris and Moscow.

After the initial celebration, the audience scrutinised the images being beamed into the auditorium for any confirmation of a successful launch.

It was business as usual for the SSTL mission control team, although despite Professor Sir Martin Sweeting's jovial manner there was a shared rush of adrenalin and tension that Sir Martin himself admitted is reassuring. "All we can do is sit back and watch until it is our turn to take over, the Soyuz launch vehicle is the most reliable available but space flight an inherently dangerous business."

Next, the program coverage guided the captive audience to discussions with Starsem, responsible for the launch. The launch had been straightforward, with clear blue sky over Baikonur. Repeat statements of "all parameters nominal reassured all watching that the launch was progressing successfully and the 4 booster rockets used for the initial acceleration were shed 1:58 into the launch.

Next, after 4:13 the Fairing that was used to protect the nose of the rocket through the atmosphere was shed according to plan.

The repeat statements of "all parameters nominal" referring to the pitch, yaw and roll of the launch vehicle continued.

Flying over Russia and Siberia the launch vehicle entered into a ballistic trajectory pending further ignitions to re-orientate the Fregat and GIOVE-A composite into the required intermediate orbits. These intermediary orbits are required to gradually push the satellite into the final orbit required by the GIOVE-A Galileo In-Orbit Validation Element.

A proud Professor Chris Snowden, Vice Chancellor of the University of Surrey commented after the launch, "The award of this contract to SSTL is a classic example of how British industry can compete in a highly competitive international market by cooperating with a leading University.

"In the past, SSTL has benefited greatly from the Symbiotic relationship with the University, now the University in turn benefits from the reputation SSTL has earned through its ability to compete in the fiercely competitive international space technology market. This tandem relationship is the foundation, not just for economically viable higher education, but also for future UK business success."

Finally, the Fregat and satellite will drift slowly into the required orbit and separate. The independent satellite is to be initiated in just under half an hour at 9:01 GMT under the control of SSTL.

Less than 10 hours to the historic launch of GIOVE-A

nospam@example.com (Robin Wolstenholme) — Tue, 27 Dec 2005 19:19:00 +0000

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.

UK press invited to attend launch

nospam@example.com (Robin Wolstenholme) — Thu, 22 Dec 2005 17:04:54 +0000

UK press, broadcasters and other invited guests are to attend a press conference on the 28th December at the SSTL with live video coverage of the GIOVE-A satellite launch from Baikonur.

To make arrangments, press and invited guests are asked to contact:

Audrey Nice, SSTL
Tel: (01483) 682 280
E-mail: a.nice@sstl.co.uk

The doors of will be open from 4:30, with the broadcast programme scheduled to start at 5:00. The press conference will take place in the School of Management, building 16 of the University Of Surrey, Guildford.

The University of Surrey
Guildford
Surrey
GU2 7XH

A map of the campus: PDF map of the University Of Surrey campus

Launch countdown

nospam@example.com (Robin Wolstenholme) — Thu, 22 Dec 2005 11:00:33 +0000

With just 5 days and 17 hours to go to the launch, SSTL have added a counter to the blog and their website www.sstl.co.uk

You can add this countdown to your own website with some simple Javascript code if you are interested in the launch, please email Robin Wolstenholme. Contact details are given on the right hand side of the blog

Live GIOVE-A launch broadcast

nospam@example.com (Robin Wolstenholme) — Thu, 22 Dec 2005 10:55:11 +0000

On launch day, live streaming video of ther launch will be provided from both Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL) in Guilford, UK and the launch site in Baikonur, Kazakhstan.

Keep an eye on the blog, or sign up to our RSS feeds to keep up to date.