Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL) has delivered to the customer, FSUE NPP VNIIEM, the first two suites of equipment for the KANOPUS-type satellite platforms.
The equipment now in Russia has successfully completed two weeks of tests, marking a major milestone for the project and the customer. Work is now underway to integrate the equipment into the first two satellites, under a joint operation with VNIIEM and SSTL engineers.
Under the contract, SSTL is supplying three suites of satellite avionics and software plus system design support, power management and batteries, on board computers and data handling capabilities for satellite subsystems and satellite operations. SSTL will also support spacecraft assembly and integration activities in Russia. This is the first major contract that SSTL has undertaken in Russia and the co-operation is a new and exciting development for both organisations, as well as the wider space industry.
Equipment for a third KANOPUS satellite platform is currently under manufacture and test at SSTL's Guildford facilities and will be delivered to the customer later this year.
The Russian Space Agency plans to launch a series of KANOPUS Earth observation satellites, with the first two due for launch at the end of 2009/early 2010.
KANOPUS-V is being developed for Russia and will record abnormal phenomena to study the possibility of earthquake prediction as well as monitoring agriculture, water and coastal resources. The satellite will carry a Russian-built 2.1m panchromatic imager plus a 10.5m multispectral imager.
VNIIEM chose to work with SSTL because of the company's established reputation and considerable experience in building small satellites. SSTL's unique approach to satellite engineering allows the company to provide satellite platforms, subsystems and even complete missions within extremely tight schedules.
Commercial Space Technologies (CST) assisted in contract negotiations and continues to play an active role in facilitating communications.
About SSTL
SSTL develops innovative technologies to change the economics of space, delivering cost effective satellite missions within rapid timescales. The company is a world leader in the design, manufacture and operation of high performance small satellites with experience gained over more than 25 years and 32 satellites launched.
SSTL employs 300 staff working on LEO, MEO, GEO and interplanetary missions, turnkey satellite platforms and space-proven satellite subsystems and optical systems. The company also provides training and development programmes and consultancy services, and performs studies for ESA, NASA and commercial customers related to platform design, mission analysis and planning.
Based in Guildford, UK, SSTL is owned by EADS Astrium NV. www.sstl.co.uk
