Instrument development at the European Space Agency for future earth observation missions

摘要

Abstract: The European Space Agency is preparing the next generation of earth observation satellites to be launched during the next decade. Two classes of missions have been defined: the 'Earth Watch' missions of pre-operational nature and the research-oriented 'Earth Explorer' missions featuring satellites dedicated to particular scientific research fields. Nine potential missions have been identified that are the subject of technical and scientific studies in view of the selection of a reduced set of missions to be studied at phase A level: atmospheric chemistry, atmospheric dynamics, atmospheric profiling, earth radiation, gravity, magnetometry, precipitation, surface processes and topography. Technical activities are currently devoted to the definition of the satellite systems and their payloads. In particular, the main instruments are studied at pre-phase A level to assess their feasibility, produce first conceptual designs, and identify areas requiring further study. In parallel, new technologies needed for the realization of the instruments are being identified and are the subject of a technical pre- development effort. !26