Roscosmos, the Russian space agency, plans to launch five Earth observation satellites in 2024. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance Russia’s Earth observation capabilities. The planned launches include the Obzor-R No. 1 and Kondor-FKA No. 2 radar surveillance satellites, the Resurs-P No. 5and two Aist-2T 1 optical observation satellites.
These satellites are part of a larger effort by Russia to expand its satellite constellation for environmental monitoring and to provide high-resolution data for both civilian and military applications. The satellites will assist in various functions, such as weather forecasting, environmental monitoring, and improving communications in remote areas.
Here are the detailed sensor payloads for the five planned remote sensing satellites to be launched by Roscosmos by the end of the year:
1.Obzor-R:
- Sensor Payload: X-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) known as the ASAR. This radar is capable of high-resolution imaging through cloud cover or fog, providing data useful for cartography, naval navigation, geological applications, natural resource exploration, and agriculture. It is a multipurpose observation satellite.
- Mission Type: All-weather high-resolution land observation.
2. Kondor-FKA:
- Sensor Payload: Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) for all-weather, day-and-night Earth observation. It provides high-resolution images for geological mapping, disaster management, and environmental monitoring applications.
- Mission Type: Earth observation and reconnaissance.
3. Resurs-P:
- Sensor Payload: Resurs-P No. 5 is equipped with high-resolution optical imagers capable of capturing detailed images of the Earth’s surface. It includes multispectral and panchromatic imaging capabilities.
- Mission Type: The mission of Resurs-P No. 5 is primarily focused on Earth observation and remote sensing. It serves both civilian and military purposes, providing imagery and data to support various applications including cartography, land use planning, natural resource management, and national security monitoring. The satellite operates in low Earth orbit (LEO), ensuring frequent revisits to capture updated imagery of targeted areas.
Kondor-FKA No. 2 radar satellite will be dispatched to the cosmodrome’s launch site. Its launch is also scheduled for this year along with the Resurs-P No. 5 Earth observation satellite.
4. Aist-2T:
- Sensor Payload: The primary payload consists of instruments designed to measure cosmic rays and high-energy particles. These detectors are crucial for space weather monitoring and scientific research into cosmic phenomena.
- Mission Type: Aist missions primarily focus on scientific research, particularly in studying cosmic rays and space weather. The satellites are equipped with payloads designed to gather data on high-energy particles, contributing to our understanding of cosmic radiation and its effects on the space environment.
Aist-2T satellites have been engineered for stereoscopic imaging of the Earth’s surface and creating a three-dimensional model. Two satellites of this type will be able to create digital terrain models and monitor emergencies.
These satellites are designed to enhance Russia’s remote sensing capabilities, providing critical data for a variety of applications including environmental monitoring, resource management, and disaster response.
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