High Resolution Optical Imaging with the Low Cost Topsat Small Satellite
Abstract
TopSat is designed to demonstrate the capabilities of low cost small satellites, for high resolution and image quality optical sensing missions. Launch is currently planned for Spring 2005. The satellite is capable of high resolution despite its small size, as a result of a novel camera design and an agile and accurate spacecraft attitude control system. The TopSat mission is a collaboration between four UK partners. QinetiQ leads the mission and is providing data handling and ground segment elements. Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (RAL) has developed the camera, Surrey Satellite Technology Limited (SSTL) is providing the platform, and Infoterra Ltd is responsible for developing commercial data markets. The programme is jointly funded by the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) and by the British National Space Centre (BNSC).
- Publication:
-
Small Satellites, Systems and Services
- Pub Date:
- November 2004
- Bibcode:
- 2004ESASP.571E..63L