DISCOVERER public deliverables

  • D2.1 VLEO Aerodynamics Requirements Document (PDF, 2.77 MB)
    This document is the result of an in depth study from the principles of orbital aerodynamics to the definition of requirements for a set of satellite platforms covering Earth Observation applications taking advantage of operating in Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO) and making use of aerodynamic technologies.
  • D2.2 VLEO EO Satellite Aerodynamic Control Techniques and Mechanisms (PDF, 2.64 MB)
    This report documents the development of novel aerodynamic control manoeuvres, principally designed for EO satellite platforms operating in the very low Earth orbit (VLEO) altitude range. This document follows the work reported in D2.1 VLEO Aerodynamics Requirements Document [RD-1] which provided a comprehensive review of the state in aerodynamic attitude and orbit control and associated technologies.
  • D4.1 Literature Review of ABEP systems (PDF, 1.83 MB)
    The report aims to support the development of system models for VLEO platforms by identifying the state of the art and trends in technology developments for atmosphere-breathing electric propulsion (ABEP) development. A literature review of ABEP system studies is presented, beginning with the concept of ABEP, its advantages and intended application.
  • D5.1 EO market overview (PDF / 2.2 MB)
    This report provides an overview of the earth observation (EO) market. The document focuses on the downstream of the EO value chain to allow the detection of opportunities for different system concepts to be proposed by DISCOVERER. We consider downstream as raw data produced by the satellite systems such as level 0 panchromatic images and value-added services generated from raw data such as water pollution monitoring services. Upstream encompasses the manufacturing of EO satellites, their launching and their operation.
  • D5.2 Literature Review of the Benefits and Applications of Very Low Earth Orbits for Earth Observation (PDF, 1.05 MB)
    This report describes the individual benefits which are related to performing spacecraft operations in VLEO compared to higher-altitude orbits in LEO and applies these benefits to the Earth Observation (EO) systems and applications identified in the DISCOVERER D2.1 VLEO Aerodynamics Requirements [RD-1] and D5.1 Market Overview [RD-2] reports, providing an overview of the benefits of VLEO to different types of EO missions.
  • D5.5 Canvas business models for the most promising system concepts (PDF, 6.92 MB)
    The aim of this document is to produce a set of Business Models (BM) for the most promising concepts of exploitation of VLEO for EO purposes. Even though the DISCOVERER project objectives are just related to the BM for the DISCOVERER technologies, this documents extends its scope to the whole VLEO exploitation spectrum.
  • APPENDIX D5.5 – Case Studies of successful companies (PDF, 2.17 MB)
    This appendix will present the Case Study of Planet Labs. Planet Labs is an Earth Observation company, owner and developer of multiple Small Sats constellations, used for Earth Observation purposes.
  • D5.6 Technology development roadmap for future VLEO platforms (PDF, 0.55 MB)
    This report outlines the major technologies that require development to support the future exploitation of VLEO. These technologies have been categorised into four principal areas, namely drag compensation, drag reduction, aerodynamic control, and other supporting technologies. For each technology, a brief description of the state of the art is provided and the primary technical challenges are outlined. A guide to the critical developmental milestones prior to operational use is also provided.
  • D5.7 Roadmap of BM Canvas for stakeholders in the VLEO market (PDF, 3.00 MB)
    This deliverable shows four business model roadmaps based on the findings of previous WP5 deliverables, more specifically D5.5 – Business models for the most promising concepts of EO at VLEO.
    The final objective of this deliverable is to show a path, enabling and boosting the presence of EU-based companies in that VLEO-EO market, and also allowing the EU to become a key player in the overall VLEO industry. Besides, in can be stated that most of the achievements in VLEO can also be useful at LEO.

If you would like to take part in the DISCOVERER survey to provide feedback to the DISCOVERER Team on the "D5.6 Technology Development Roadmap for Future VLEO Platforms", please submit your email address below. The document can be found for download above.

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