Jena-Optronik positions in new global satellite system

The Jena-Optronik GmbH received two Authorizations to Proceed (ATP) for the development and manufacturing of electronic, mechanical and optical components within the European earth observation program GMES (Global Monitoring for Environment and Security). Until 2010, a contract volume valued in the medium double figure million range is expected for the Jenoptik subsidiary within this program.

The joint initiative GMES for environmental and security policy has yet been decided in 2000 by the European Space Agency ESA and the European Union. In line with new systems for future GMES-services a set of operational satellites is intended. Three in five of these satellite families, so-called Sentinels, have already been defined. Within the two satellite families Sentinel-2 for optical earth observation and Sentinel-3 for the observation of the oceans the Jena-Optronik GmbH is a member of the core team.

A satellite family consists of several single satellites and is designed for an operation period of 20 years. Jena-Optronik’s contribution in the framework of Sentinel-2 compasses the design of the overall instrument electrical architecture of the main payload MSI (Multispectral Imager) as well as the development, manufacturing and testing of the Video Compression Unit VCU, a key subsystem of the MSI. Within Sentinel-3 Jena-Optronik is significantly involved in the main instrument SLSTR (Sea and Land Surface Temperature Radiometer) by developing essential components for it. Beside the thermal and mechanical engineering of the SLSTR, the Jena-Optronik GmbH is responsible for the opto-mechanical structure, several subsystems, telescope and scan systems of the Sentinel-3 family.

The Jena-based company therewith successfully continues with its activities in the field of instruments for earth observation. After the development, manufacturing and delivery of five identical multispectral cameras for the commercial satellite constellation RapidEye Jena-Optronik emphasizes its expertise as a specialist for the development and manufacturing of opto-electronic instruments and components for space applications.

It is the purpose of the GMES-initiative to make use of already existing earth observation satellites and to establish a more powerful global satellite system for continuous observation of the global changes as well as to identify and develop solutions and counter measures for the dramatic environmental changes. Those effects on the climate change that are already visible such as the deglaciation in the pole areas or the rise of the sea level is to counteracted with the obtained measuring data. Without accelerated climate protection, until 2100 the surface temperature of the earth will increase twice as fast as in the past century and in annual average it will be up to 4,5°C higher. The costs involved are estimated at 800 billion Euros only for Germany [Source: Wochenbericht DIW Berlin, Nr. 11/2007; Status: 22.01.2008]. The costs for GMES are estimated at 2,4 billion Euros.

Source : http://www.jena-optronik.com/