Amnon Ginati

Integrated applications demonstration projects: Showcases of user-driven applications demonstration projects combining Satellite Earth Observation, Navigation and Telecommunications technologies

This paper provides an overview of some demonstration projects, which utilize Satellite Earth Observation, Navigation and Telecommunications technologies to the benefits of user communities in different domains with a high potential economic/societal impact. The main objective of the European Space Agency Integrated Applications Promotion (IAP) program is to foster the development of sustainable user-driven services integrating multiple space technologies. The presented applications are related to agriculture (GrapeLook), energy management (INTOGENER) and the maritime domain (SEMAFORS). For each project the user communities and their needs, the selected technical solution, the innovative elements and the operational prospects are discussed.

Status of future ESA Earth observation missions

The European Space Agency is pursuing the development of innovative Earth Observation missions to foster better scientific understanding of the system Earth and to respond to the requirements of the operational users. Six Earth Explorer missions (CRYOSAT, GOCE, SMOS, AEOLUS, SWARM, EarthCARE) are under development for launch between 2005 and 2012. They will provide to provide new critical information in a wide range of Earth science disciplines: ocean circulation, Earths gravity and magnetic fields, the cryosphere, ocean salinity and soil moisture, magnetic field, aerosol-radiation-cloud interactions and the demonstration of the measurement of tropospheric wind fields. Application-oriented missions of the Earth Watch class are continuing with the METEOSAT series of geostationary meteorological satellites, the preliminary studies of the next-generation METEOSAT spacecraft and the forthcoming launch of the first spacecraft of the EPS/METOP series. Preparatory activities are underway for the series of operational missions, to provide data and services for Earth monitoring, in the frame of the GMES programme.

Earth observation program with small satellites at OHB-system

Abstract OHB-System, located in Bremen, Germany, is a mid-sized company mainly active in the fields of space, wireless communication and environmental technology. This paper covers the OHB activities in the field of Earth observation with small satellites. It describes the advanced technology approaches of the company in the low-cost and user dedicated design and development of small satellites for earth science derived commercial oriented Earth observation approaches. The paper gives an overview on the activities and long term strategy of OHB-System concerning the development of Earth observation capabilities in Germany.