ADVANCED SMALL SATELLITE CONSTELLATIONS TO MEET CHALLENGING EARTH SCIENCE MISSIONS

摘要

This paper details concepts for SSTL small satellite constellations that are viable alternatives to traditional large single satellite Earth Observation (EO) missions. It will be demonstrated how the key mission level properties and sensors of large single satellite EO missions can be successfully distributed across a constellation of small satellites. SSTL small satellite technologies will be discussed as well as the overall benefits of a constellation approach such as low cost COTS technologies, rapid and responsive delivery, constellation level redundancy and constellation enhancement / replenishment. Additional associated mission activities such as launch vehicle selection and constellation operations are also analysed. Finally, the scientific quality of the data gathered is presented with reference to sensors developed from COTS technologies. It is demonstrated that the constellation approach can challenge the schedule, cost, reliability and scientific quality of a traditional large single satellite solution.