The European Space Agency's (ESA) European Remote Sensing (ERS 2) satellite has been reprogrammed to operate without gyroscopes, the last of which failed in January. The agency is looking at the non-gyroscope technique to extend the life of other ESA missions.
ESA teamed with Astrium to develop new navigation techniques combining an onboard digital Earth horizon sensor and a ground system analysing Doppler shifts in the signals. The upgrade means that ERS 2 will continue to operate until 2003.
Meanwhile, ESA has launched an initiative to help small companies enter the IT and satellite communications field by providing early investment and support worth up to €300,000 ($275,000). ESA also offers its experience in satellite communications and a chance to forge links with industry. The new business could involve the creative use of satellite technologies to provide new services for the internet, multimedia, navigation or mobile applications, says ESA.
Source: Flight International
