RapidEye racing ahead
SSTL's RapidEye team has recently completed the testing of all 5 RapidEye platforms (aka busses) for preliminary delivery to MDA, and is now preparing for the electronic integration of the 6.5m Jena Optronik imager payload.
The stage testing comprised ambient and thermal tests of the modules, followed by vibration testing of the complete platform - an important test for a satellite launched by rocket! A review of the project was then undertaken with MDA signing off the milestone as a success, allowing the project to proceed. The issues to be addressed had been successfully pre-worked in close co-operation with MDA prior to the review, ensuring a smooth ride with no surprises on the day!
This was followed immediately with another crucial milestone being met; the completion of the Spacecraft Control Centre Factory Acceptance Test (SCC FAT). This important step ensured that the ground station was fully compatible with the platform used in each satellite, and was ready for installation in Germany.
The groundstation's 7m receiving antenna is already in place - the photo above shows the parabolic reflector as it was being raised into place on the roof of RapidEye's Brandenberg HQ.
RapidEye Project Manager Ben Stocker is looking forward to a very busy 12 months of SCC commissioning, payload integration, spacecraft EVT (Environmental Verification and Test), training, launch and in-orbit commissioning!
The RapidEye EO (earth observation) constellation will be used to provide data services for monitoring natural resources such as crops and for other EO applications. RapidEye is a landmark undertaking, the world's first commercial EO constellation, made possible by the MDA and SSTL teaming. SSTL is building the 5 satellites under contract from MacDonald, Dettwiler & Associates (MDA) of Canada.
