Satellite

Biography

Biography: Yavor Shopov

Abstract

Hyperspectral imaging from satellites produces vast amount of data, which is extremely hard to download. To extend the download period, large satellites use extended up/down link time by transferring of their data through a GEO satellite when their orbital position does not allow direct connection with their ground station. Recent state- of –the- art of development of micro satellites still does not apply this innovative technology. Here we discuss possibilities to apply such technology in the micro satellites design. It will allow obtaining of high resolution multispectral images or video from micro satellites. We are designing a satellite bus “OK Express” with mass <35kg, size 330x330x630 mm, powered by silicone cell rotating panels with power ~ 160W. It has telemetry, sun sensor, earth sensor, magnetometer, active stabilization with reaction wheels, magnetic coils and propulsion with hot gas micro thruster. Its extended download period is produced by steerable phase array antennas (with large coverage) pointing to a GEOs at, steerable ground pointing phase array antennas (with large coverage), a differential GNSS receiver for position and attitude determination and high speed S-band data up/down link - DVB S2. DVB S2 is a new broadband satellite technology for broadcasting of digital video or TV signal with higher efficiency of utilization of the spectrum. This micro satellite will record high-resolution images and video with ~ 6m GSD at visual wavelengths and ~ 20 m GSD at thermal infrared imaging from 600km orbit.