ARGUS-SPAS, an experimental shuttle pallet satellite for earth observation
- Paper ID
1978-IAF-162
- author
- company
Messerschmitt-Bolkow-Blohm
- country
Federal Republic of Germany
- year
1978
- abstract
ARGUS-SPAS is the synonym for the application of a Shuttle Pallet Satellite (SPAS) in an Earth's remote sensing mission. Earth observation by remote sensing via near polar orbiting satellites at low altitudes requires cost effective space platforms offering large mounting areas and volumes besides high electrical power so far active or passive microwave radiometers are concerned. The Shuttle optimized SPAS, to be used as an experimental research platform for the European user's community requirements in the mid 80's will open the way to a low cost development and in orbit transportation approach for European developed payload instruments.