Airbus Defence and Space Sas

Centre National Detudes Spatiales

Emmanuel Giraud

Mehdi Ghezal

Dorian Lasnet

Hervé Camares

A method () for image acquisition by a spacecraft () comprising an observation instrument () and a laser transmission module (), the method includes: acquiring an image of a calibration area referred to as a calibration image, by the observation instrument (S), obtaining reference data associated with the calibration area (S), determining a pointing error of a laser line of sight by comparing the calibration image and the reference data (S), controlling the pointing of the spacecraft by correcting the pointing error, in order to point the laser line of sight towards a laser reception module (S), and transmitting data to the laser reception module by the laser transmission module (S).

Method for transmitting data by a spacecraft comprising a laser transmission module

A method () of acquiring images of a terrestrial region Z using a spacecraft () in non-geostationary orbit around the Earth (), the spacecraft includes an observation instrument associated with a ground footprint of length L along the direction of travel, the method includes: a step () of observing a portion Pof the terrestrial region Z, including a step of controlling the attitude of the spacecraft () during which the ground footprint is kept stationary during the entirety of the step of observing portion P, and a step of acquiring an image of portion P, a step () of modifying the pitch attitude of the spacecraft () so as to place the ground footprint over a portion Pof the terrestrial region Z, and a step () of observing portion Pof the terrestrial region.

Method for acquiring images of a terrestrial region using a spacecraft

A method for acquiring images using a constellation of satellites in non-geosynchronous terrestrial orbit. The satellites include respective devices for inter-satellite communication. An aggregate of work plans intended for various satellites is formed. A ground station transmits the aggregate intended for one satellite. The satellite receiving the aggregate retransmits the aggregate intended for at least one other satellite from the ground station. Each satellite receiving the aggregate from another satellite re-transmits the aggregate intended for at least one other satellite. Each satellite recovers its work plan from the aggregate received.

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Escalquens, France

Emmanuel Giraud