 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Parasol Is Preparing To Enter A-Train Space Observatory
Toulouse, France (SPX) Oct 25, 2004 Following the Demeter satellite in June, Parasol, the second-up in the Myriade microsatellite series, is preparing for launch. Parasol satellite (Polarization and Anisotropy of Reflectances for Atmospheric Sciences coupled with Observations from a Lidar) will study the impact of aerosols and how they interact with clouds to give scientists a better understanding of Earth's climate system. Operating in formation with 5 other satellites, Parasol will be one component of the orbital observatory "A-Train" designed to probe the atmosphere from every angle heralding exciting times ahead for climate researchers. The Parasol payload draws extensively on the heritage of the POLDER instrument. This formation of 6 satellites will be able to observe the same atmospheric phenomena within minutes of each other, looking at different physical characteristics. After separation from the launcher, Parasol will manoeuvre under its own thrust to join its companion satellites: NASA Aqua and NASA Aura, already in orbit, and Calipso, CloudSat and OCO, to be launched in sequence from 2005 onwards. The satellites will be like the carriages of a train, trailing each other by a few minutes or seconds (just 15 minutes between the lead satellite and the last in the train). Parasol is currently undergoing final tests in Toulouse, France. The launch will take place in Kourou, French Guiana in December. Parasol is a satellite that definitely likes company, since the Ariane 5 launch will also be lofting 5 other passengers. Sitting on the launch adaptor with its co-passengers, Parasol will be the last to be injected into near-circular orbit at an altitude of 705 km. CNES will perform positioning operations for all 6 satellites: the Helios IIA military satellite, to be positioned with respect to its predecessor Helios IB; the 4 microsatellites in the Essaim formation; and Parasol in the A-train. An unprecedented, ultra-precise orbital dance choreographed by operations teams. Community Email This Article Comment On This Article Related Links CNES SpaceDaily Search SpaceDaily Subscribe To SpaceDaily Express Microsat News and Nanosat News at SpaceMart.com
Small Satellite Solutions From Scotland
Clyde, Scotland (SPX) Jan 12, 2006Clyde Space are offering the growing ranks of small satellite manufacturers power subsystem solutions for their missions. Based in purpose built facilities on West of Scotland Science Park in Glasgow, Clyde Space has a range of power subsystems for missions from as little as 1W up to in excess of 2.5kW. |
|
|
| The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2006 - SpaceDaily.AFP and UPI Wire Stories are copyright Agence France-Presse and United Press International. ESA PortalReports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additionalcopyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. Advertising does not imply endorsement,agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by SpaceDaily on any Web page published or hosted by SpaceDaily. Privacy Statement |
