EarthNext Mission Completes Preliminary Design Review
AIKO is thrilled to announce the successful completion of the Preliminary Design Review (PDR) for the EarthNext mission, a pioneering project funded by the Italian Space Agency (ASI) as part of the Alcor program. This significant milestone marks the formal conclusion of Phase B in the project's development, paving the way for the subsequent critical phases leading to the mission's launch.
EarthNext is an innovative endeavour that centres on the phase A/B mission study of a 16U Earth Observation (EO) CubeSat. The project holds immense importance as it delves into utilising sophisticated technologies within a miniaturised platform, including a multispectral payload and edge computing. Spearheaded by Officina Stellare, the consortium finds AIKO playing a pivotal role in the onboard autonomy and onboard data processing aspects.
AIKO's contributions to EarthNext are twofold, stemming from its expertise in developing cutting-edge automation solutions for space missions. The company's flagship product, orbital_OLIVER, will be instrumental in automating various in-orbit operations and payload management, effectively rendering the satellite autonomous in executing its mission plan.
Complementing orbital_OLIVER is cloudy_CHARLES, a cloud detection application that will operate directly through orbital_OLIVER. This synergy will enable the satellite to make informed decisions regarding image acquisition, ensuring optimal data capture despite cloud cover.
Furthermore, orbital_OLIVER will empower the satellite to counteract the effects of atmospheric drag, a challenge inherent in operating at a Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO) of approximately 300 km. Using artificial intelligence to predict the effect of atmospheric drag, orbital_OLIVER will plan directly on board the ignition of the thruster for station keeping manoeuvres, allowing the satellite to preserve its operational orbit.
The successful completion of the PDR marks a pivotal achievement for the EarthNext mission, solidifying the project's trajectory towards its ultimate goal. With Phases C and D already secured, the mission is poised to make significant advancements in Earth observation capabilities, particularly in the domains of agriculture and aquaculture.
EarthNext's significance extends beyond its technological advancements. By operating at a VLEO, the mission will provide unprecedented Earth observation data, offering a wealth of insights for addressing critical challenges in agriculture, aquaculture, and environmental monitoring. The mission also paves the way for the qualification of a high-efficiency electric propulsion system in orbit, a crucial step towards enabling sustainable operations for small satellites.
As EarthNext embarks on the next phase of its development, AIKO remains committed to supporting the mission's objectives, ensuring that it delivers groundbreaking scientific data and paves the way for future advancements in Earth observation from small satellite.
To discover more
- ASI
- Officina Stellare