Small Satellite Missions for Earth Observation - New Mission Concepts and Technological Challenges

Abstract

This book was compiled from contributions given at the 8th International IAA Symposium on Small Satellites for Earth Observation, April 4-8, 2011, Berlin, Germany (IAA – International Academy of Astronautics). From the 15 sessions for oral presentations and two poster sessions, 26 contributions were selected representing new mission concepts and technological challenges. The contributions in part I; New Mission Concepts, reflect the potentials of a diversity of new Earth observation missions. The scope goes from for instance Japanese nano satellites covering education and practical use to NASA’s Earth science missions using small satellites, and single satellite applications to constellations and formations. Part II, Technological Challenges, covers a broad range of new technologies and techniques allowing to pursue new for small satellites application areas. Technologies include diverse position and attitude control systems for micro and nano satellites like for instance GNSS receivers, star trackers, reaction wheels and micro thrusters, as well as deorbiting systems New techniques enabling new application areas for small satellites include a reconfigurable large telescope based on nano satellite components, and affordable SAR (synthetic aperture radar) systems.