International Study on Cost-effective Earth Observation Missions

It is within the means of many nations to conduct or participate in cost-effective Earth observation missions. This study provides a definition of cost-effective Earth observation missions and information about background material and organizational support. It discusses cost drivers and provides advice on achieving cost-effective missions and discusses training and education. The conclusions and recommendations range from more general factors, which drive the small satellite mission activities, to visions of future cost-effective Earth observation missions. Complementary to large complex missions, small satellite missions have specific advantages: more frequent missions opportunities and therefore faster return of science and application data, a larger variety of missions and greater diversification of potential users; more rapid expansion of the technical and/or scientific knowledge base; greater involvement of local and small industry. This volume will prove to be a useful source of information to governments, space agencies, academia, and industry.

Dr. Rainer Sandau is Chief Scientist at the German Aerospace Center (DLR) in Berlin, Germany. He has been involved in the instrumentation of four space missions to Venus, Mars and Earth, and has worked on numerous concepts for instruments and small satellites. Dr. Sandau is chairman of IAA Commission IV Space Systems Operations and Utilization. He has authored or co-authored over 160 publications.