How to achieve cost-effective earth observation missions - Approaches for countries emerging in space technology

Abstract

Since the advent of modern technologies, small satellites have been perceived to offer an opportunity for countries with a modest research budget and little or no experience in space technology, to enter the field of space-borne Earth observation and its applications. This is very much in line with the charter of the IAA (International Academy of Astronautics) Study Group on Small Satellite Missions for Earth Observation. One of its intentions is to bring within the reach of every country the opportunity to operate small satellite Earth observation missions and utilize the data effectively at low costs, as well as to develop and build application-driven missions. In this context the study group supports all activities to develop and promote concepts and processes by various user communities 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. The paper is based on the Study “Cost-Effective Earth Observation Mission” of the IAA which provides a variety of methodologies that may be used by or innovatively adapted to the needs and goals of less developed countries when entering the space-borne Earth observation arena.

Generally, cost-effective Earth observation missions are supported by four contemporary trends: • Advances in electronic miniaturization and associated performance capability; • The recent appearance on the market of new small launchers (e.g. through the use of modified military missiles to launch small satellites); • The possibility of ‘independence’ in space (small satellites can provide an affordable way for many countries to achieve Earth Observation and/or defense capability, without relying on inputs from the major space-faring nations); • Ongoing reduction in mission complexity as well as in those costs associated with management; with meeting safety regulations etc.

The advantages of small satellite missions, complementing the large complex missions are: • more frequent mission opportunities and therefore faster return of science and for application data • larger variety of missions and therefore also greater diversification of potential users • more rapid expansion of the technical and/or scientific knowledge base • greater involvement of local and small industry.

This Study provides a definition of cost-effective Earth observation missions, information about background material and organizational support, shows the cost drivers and how to achieve cost-effective missions, and provides a chapter dedicated to training and education. The focus is on the status quo and prospects of applications in the field of Earth observation. Finally, conclusions and recommendations are summarized in terms of • more general facts that drive the small satellite mission activities, • outcomes from the background material used in the study which show that good work have been done before and the lessons learned process started soon after beginning of the small satellite activities, • additional outcomes of the study which go beyond the information of the background material, and • some visions concerning the future of cost-effective Earth observation missions.