South African aerospace group Space Commercial Service Holdings (SCSH) has launched a self-developed microsatellite that uses an advanced remote sensing system to break up images in different spectral bands and unveil the earth’s surface in greater detail.
The export product, which was unveiled at the sixty-fifth International Astronautical Congress, in Toronto, Canada, last week, was based on hyperspectral imaging that could be used to monitor agricultural crops for food security; observe forest canopies to enable early warnings for pest control; study soils and vegetation restoration following mining operations; and monitor water resources.
The satellite, dubbed the Phoenix-20 HS, would further enable the mapping of natural vegetation, shoreline changes, the effect of climate change and aid in the management of natural disasters.
The Phoenix was available in two options: either with a design life of one year and a 500 km orbital height above the earth’s surface or a three- to five-year life span at a height of between 500 km and 700 km.
“Our biggest breakthrough with this product was to reduce the weight and, therefore, the cost of the satellite compared with other satellites that perform the same function, while delivering a usable signal-to-noise ratio for a compact satellite.
“With the launch costs of satellites making a significant contribution to the viability of a mission, by keeping the total weight of the Phoenix below 24 kg, we are now in the position to deliver the total package for between $2.5-million and $4-million, depending on the requirements of the client. This is a fraction of the cost previously paid for satellites fulfilling the same functions,” SCSH CEO Dr Sias Mostert explained.
He pointed out that the product was also suitable for constellation deployment, which provided the earth observation community with a valuable new tool designed to meet the needs of both traditional and niche markets not serviced by current satellites.
The design and development of the Phoenix was executed by SCSH subsidiary Space Advisory Company.