TOPOLEV and C-PARAS

Abstract

The aim of the European Space Agency funded study on "Concepts for demonstration of advanced techniques and technologies on an EO small mission" was to assess ideas for EO missions compatible with implementation on a small satellite such as PROBA, and which may benefit from Formation Flying. The output of the study was a definition of various small satellite missions and their required developments. The study was led by Astrium Ltd, with support from Astrium SAS, Astrium GmbH, ENVEO, GMV and Verhaert Space. Following initial selection in the first part of the study, three candidates were analysed in detail in Phase 2. Of these three candidates, two of the missions (the Topographic Levelling mission "TOPOLEV", and C-band PAssive RAdar Satellite(s), "C-PARAS") require Formation Flying for single pass SAR interferometry, and these are presented in this chapter.