Page 34 - hisdeSAT annual report 2014

Performing at full capacity

3.2 Development of the Observation

Programme

During 2014 PAZ successfully com- clared the satellite fit to be launched
pleted the battery of environmental with their DNEPR satellite launch
tests that certify its capability to be vehicle.
launched and withstand the ope-
HISDESAT has been working on the
rational environment once in orbit.
These tests were carried out at the launch logistics, after the launch
IABG premises in Munich, and inclu- base venue was changed from
ded mechanical stress tests, ther- Baikonur to Yasny as required by
mal vacuum tests, radiofrequency Kosmotras.
tests etc. The satellite configuration has

The tests ran throughout the first evolved in order to meet the cu-
half of the year, after which the rrent requirements for the satellite
satellite was returned constellation comprising PAZ and
to the Airbus Defence the German TerraSAR X and Tan-
PAZ has successfully & Space facilities in DEM X satellites.
completed the tests Madrid where perfor- To offer users a complete service,
mance tests were sub-
that certify its sequently completed. HISDESAT has this past year star-
ted setting up partnerships with
suitability to withstand Currently the satellite a number of Spanish companies
the operational is ready to be laun- and universities, developing a set
ched, requiring only
environment in orbit certain mission tests to of applications that will provide
verify that the Ground added value to the satellite’s SAR
images. For instance, work has
segment at INTA and
the satellite itself are fully compa- started on areas like the moni-
toring of land use changes, ship
tible. These tests will be conducted
in early 2015. detection (VDS), and applications
that combine SAR data from PAZ
It is worth noting that members of with AIS vessel identification data
ISC Kosmotras, the company that from our investee company exac-
will provide the launch service, par- tEarth. All of these applications
ticipated in the mechanical tests will be available once the PAZ
and in view of the results have de- system enters service.

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