SSTL to launch UK-DMC2 and Deimos-1 Earth observation missions in July
Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL) is preparing two satellites for launch on 25th July. The Earth observation missions, UK-DMC2 and Deimos-1, will be launched onboard a Dnepr rocket from the Baikonur Cosmodrome on Saturday, 25th July 2009 at 18:46 UTC, 19:46 BST.
The spacecraft, which are both based on the 100kg class SSTL-100 micro satellite platform, will join the international Disaster Monitoring Constellation (DMC), expanding the constellation to six operational satellites. The new satellites will enhance DMC satellite daily imaging capacity for applications such as deforestation mapping, urban planning, natural resource management, security, agriculture and disaster relief operations.
“The DMC brings unique and important benefits to the individual partners in the constellation through daily revisit, enabling a broad range of Earth observation applications”, said Dr Matt Perkins, SSTL’s CEO. “The new technology applied to UK-DMC2 and funded by SSTL highlights the importance of the DMC, and its growth and continuity, to SSTL.”
SSTL’s Executive Chairman, Sir Martin Sweeting, added: “The DMC has pioneered a new international partnership approach to Earth observation, providing unique data with high temporal resolution: the success of the first DMC is now leading to the next generation of more advanced satellites in the constellation.”
Deimos-1, which is owned by Spanish company Deimos Space, and SSTL’s own UK-DMC2 satellite, will use the latest SSTL technologies that have been developed by adapting and improving space-proven technologies from the Company’s previous 21 Earth observation missions. As well as being the debut for its new 22-metre multispectral wide-swath imaging subsystem, SSTL’s UK-DMC2 satellite will play an important role as a test bed for new technologies for use in future missions.
UK-DMC2 offers enhancements over its predecessor, UK-DMC, which was launched in 2003 and continues to contribute valuable imagery beyond its 5-year design life. The new satellite will provide data continuity for the many organisations worldwide that make use of DMC data.
SSTL’s launch services team is currently at the Baikonur Cosmodrome, where a second week of pre-launch checkout tests is progressing well. The six-man team has been joined by two engineers from Deimos Space as they prepare for the Spanish company’s first satellite launch.
SSTL has a proven track record in launch management, interface and integration activities, which began with the launch of UoSAT-1 onboard a Thor Delta rocket in 1981. SSTL have been responsible for the successful launch services of 34 small satellites on nine different launch vehicles from Kourou, Plesetsk, Baikonur, Vandenburg and Kodiak Island, including the first commercial launch onboard Dnepr (UoSAT-12) in 1999.
About SSTL
Surrey Satellite Technology Limited (SSTL) is the world's leading small satellite company, delivering operational space missions for a range of applications including Earth observation, science and communications. The company designs, manufactures and operates high performance satellites and ground systems for a fraction of the price normally associated with spacecraft. Headquartered in Guildford, UK, SSTL employs 300 staff, working on turnkey satellite platforms, space-proven satellite subsystems and optical instruments.
Since 1981 SSTL has launched 32 satellites and provides training and development programmes, consultancy services, mission studies for ESA, NASA and commercial customers, and launch services – always changing the economics of space.
SSTL is owned by EADS Astrium NV.
Notes to editor:
Find out more about UK-DMC2 at www.sstl.co.uk/Missions/UK-DMC2
SSTL Contact:
Audrey Nice, Surrey Satellite Technology Limited
Tel: +44 (0)1483 804200
Email: a.nice@sstl.co.uk
Press Contact:
Robin Wolstenholme, Ballard Communications Management (BCM)
Tel: +44 (0)1306 882288
Email: r.wolstenholme@ballard.co.uk