EADS Astrium and Algerian Astronautics Technology Centre CNTS (Centre National des Techniques Spatiales) have signed a contract for the development of the earth observation system ALSAT-2 in February 2006. Both the ALSAT-2 Satellites deal with the first earth observation satellites of the AstroSat100 family, which are based on the Myriad Platform of EADS Astrium.
Sentinel-2 is the medium spatial resolution optical mission of the GMES (Global Monitoring for Environment and Security) programme, an initiative of ESA and the European Commission that aims to set up a lasting European network for the recording and analysis of environmentally and security-relevant data. From 2012 onwards, the 1.1-metric-ton satellite will circle the Earth in a sun-synchronous, polar orbit at an altitude of 786 kilometres, fully covering the planet`s landmasses in just ten days at a time. The multi-spectral instrument (MSI) will generate optical images in 13 spectral channels in the visible and short-wave infrared range down to a resolution of 10 metres with an image swath of 290 kilometres. Astrium´s Friedrichshafen site is prime contractor to ESA for the Sentinel-2 mission.
Artist's impression of BEPI COLOMBO. The EADS Astrium built Mercury probe will exlore the innermost planet of our solar system. It is set for launch in 2013 and will reach Mercury after a six years journey. BEPI COLOMBO consists of three modules, the European Mercury Planetary orbiter (MPO), the Japanese Magnetospheric Orbiter (MMO) and a transfer module. The image shows all three modules before separation.
Rosetta - The international Rosetta Mission deals with the third Cornerstone Mission of the long-term space research programme of the European Space Agency ESA. Aim of the mission started in March 2004 is a rendezvous with the comet Churyumov Gerasimenko in year 2014. The probe will move for about two years in an orbit of a kilometer around the comets and explore the core and the surroundings of the comets. A landing device should explore the surface scientifically and analyse Churyumov Gerasimenko. The probe was developed and built on behalf of the ESA by EADS Astrium as main contractor.
ROSETTA- ESA's Rosetta spacecraft, built by EADS Astrium, was launched in March 2004 and will rendezvous with the comet Churyumov-Gerasimenko in 2014 and set down a probe, Philae, on the comet's surface.
HRSC - The HRSC (High Resolution Stereo Camera) was developed by DLR in Berlin and manufactured/built by EADS Astrium Friedrichshafen. On board MARS EXPRESS it supplied the first high resolution 3D images of the Mars surface.
The planet probe MARS EXPRESS is the first European space missile, which researched Mars. The probe was started on 2nd June 2003 by Baikonur space center in Kazakhstan. MARS EXPRESS, consisting of an orbiter and a lander, reached Mars after the six month flight in December 2003 and circled the red planet from this time. The orbiter should chart the orbit from the surface of the planet and explore atmosphere, structure and geology of the planet. By 2007 MARS EXPRESS sends data from neighbouring planets to the earth. Poland and the USA are also participants of MARS EXPRESS along with the member countries of the ESA. Main contractor for MARS EXPRESS was EADS Astrium. The photo shows the integration of the research probe at the EADS Astrium in French Toulouse.
The planet probe MARS EXPRESS is the first European space mission, which researched Mars. The probe was started on 2nd June 2003 by Baikonur space center in Kazakhstan. The probe, consisting of an orbiter and a lander, reached Mars after the six month flight in December 2003 and circled the red planet from this time. The orbiter should chart the orbit from the surface of the planet and explore atmosphere, structure and geology of the planet. By 2007 MARS EXPRESS should send data from neighboring planets to the Earth.
VENUS EXPRESS - The planet probe Venus Express (abbreviated VEX) is a space probe of the ESA, which is started on 9 November 2005 with a Sojus-FG/Fregat rocket from Kazakhs Baikonur. It swivelled into a orbit around the planet Venus after 153 day rising time on 11 April 2006. VENUS EXPRESS resulted from the call of the ESA for a reuse of the engineering model of Mars Express (2003). By using already existing parts, also scientific instruments (of the probes Mars Express and Rosetta), a cost effective Version of the Venus Expedition could be built after a building time of only three years.
VENUS EXPRESS - The planet probe VENUS EXPRESS (abbreviated VEX) is a space probe of the ESA, which is started on 9 November 2005 with a Sojus-FG/Fregat rocket from Kazakhs Baikonur. It swiveled into a orbit around the planet Venus after 153 day rising time on 11 April 2006. VENUS EXPRESS resulted from the call of the ESA for a reuse of the engineering model of Mars Express (2003). By using already existing parts, also scientific instruments (of the probes Mars Express and Rosetta), a cost effective Version of the Venus Expedition could be built after a building time of only three years.
The In-Orbit Demonstrator LISA Pathfinder is used for validating the key technologies to be used for LISA: a type of physics laboratory in space. The actual satellite constellation LISA will be started in the next decade and supply completely new insights into the Universe. This way it should be possible to measure gravitation waves generated by exotic objects such as e.g. twin constellations/stars colliding with each other.
The SWARM satellites are used for researching energy particle currents. The project Swarm can be seen as direct successor programme of the Champ and Grace project. The three satellites have same design and should be realized by a German-English Team. The start of the Swarm-Trios is planned for 2009/10. The satellites should be completed within a building period of 48 months. The provision is made to transport all three space missiles with a carrier rocket in a polar orbit. The satellite constellation is designed such that two satellites fly at a height of 450 kilometres beside each other, while the third satellite circles the earth in a 530 kilometres orbit.
The European HERSCHEL Space Observatory has the largest mirror ever built for a space telescope. At 3.5-metres in diameter the mirror will collect long-wavelength radiation from some of the coldest and most distant objects in the Universe. In addition, HERSCHEL will be the only space observatory to cover a spectral range from the far infrared to sub-millimetre. EADS Astrium is responsible for the mirror and the integrated payload module.
The European Herschel Space Observatory has the largest mirror ever built for a space telescope. At 3.5-metres in diameter the mirror will collect long-wavelength radiation from some of the coldest and most distant objects in the Universe. In addition, Herschel will be the only space observatory to cover a spectral range from the far infrared to sub-millimetre. Astrium is responsible for the mirror and the integrated payload module.
EADS Astrium is aiming to lead activities for the ExoMars Rover System. The Rover is now set to weigh around 150kg, including a 12.5kg scientific payload package, named after the famous microbiologist 'Pasteur'. The search for life on Mars constitutes ExoMars' primary scientific objective, but given the uncertainty about the presence of life signs, the payload will also address objectives concerning the evolution of the planet and its atmosphere, together with the survey of its environment, in view of future human explorations. The rover will be able to traverse several kms over the Martian surface and obtain samples (from down to 2m depth, as well as from surface rocks) on which to conduct in-situ detailed analysis and relay the results to an orbiting satellite for transmission to Earth. Due for launch in 2011, ExoMars is the first Flagship mission of the European Space Agency's AURORA Programme.
Exo-Mars is the next step in the exploration of the red planet and is called the first "flagship" of the Aurora programme. Exo-Mars comprises a large Orbiter spacecraft as well as a Descent Module containing a large vehicle, the Exo-biology Rover. This vehicle is a sophisticated mobile "laboratory of life". Working together, the Orbiter and Rover will enable European scientists to build up a bigger picture of the Martian environment as the rover travels up to many kilometres over the surface. Sampling the environment at many different sites is not only important in searching for the conditions for past and present life, but is the first step in taking humans to Mars.
ESA's Gaia Mission will create the most accurate star catalogue ever made. This will enhance our understanding of the universe and improve our knowledge of the composition, formation and evolution of our galaxy. Gaia is due to be launched in late 2011 on a Soyuz vehicle.
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