Cost-Effective Earth Observation Missions - Outcomes and Visions of the International IAA Study

Abstract

Cost-effective Earth observation missions – how can they be achieved, what are the cost drivers, what are the application areas, and what are the possible obstacles and how are they surmounted? A recently published study1 provides a single reference of all aspects connected with cost-effective missions. This paper concentrates on some of the outcomes of that study. User communities which start to conduct or participate in Earth observation missions using small, economical satellites, and associated launches, ground stations, data distributions structures, and space system management approaches are likely to find this information useful.