The launch date of the first Earth remote sensing (ERS) spacecraft has been determined as part of the Arktika-M project. This was reported by RIA Novosti from informed sources in the rocket and space industry.
The Arktika-M project envisages the launch of two satellites as part of a highly elliptical hydrometeorological space system. The orbital platform is created on the basis of the basic module of Navigator service systems. The spacecraft will provide round-the-clock all-weather monitoring of the surface of the Earth and the seas of the Arctic Ocean, as well as constant reliable communications and other telecommunication services.
The onboard equipment of the satellites will include a multispectral scanning device for hydrometeorological support (MSU-GSM) and a heliogeophysical equipment complex (GGAC). The task of MSU-GSM is to obtain multispectral images of clouds and the underlying surface within the visible disk of the Earth. The GGAC instrument, in turn, is designed to monitor variations in the electromagnetic radiation of the Sun in the X-ray and ultraviolet spectral ranges.
The satellites will receive GLONASS-GPS equipment and will ensure retransmission of signals from emergency beacons of the Cospas-Sarsat system.
βThe launch of the Soyuz-2.1b launch vehicle with the Fregat upper stage and the first Arktika-M satellite is planned for December 9,β ββinformed persons said. Thus, the formation of the Arktika-M remote sensing system will begin at the end of this year.
Source: 3dnews.ru