Thales Alenia Space to Deliver Imaging Instrument for Pleiades Program

(Cannes, July 10, 2008) -- Thales Alenia Space is ready to deliver the high-resolution (HR) optical imaging instrument for integration in the first Pleiades earth observation satellite.

The Pleiades project is part of ORFEO*, a joint Franco-Italian initiative by the countries' national space agencies CNES and ASI, marking a major technological advance in optical earth observation systems. The dual-technology program addresses both military and civil needs for European users, including mapping, volcano monitoring, geophysical and hydrology studies, urban planning, etc. As prime contractor for the Pleiades system-in particular the ground segment-CNES selected Astrium as satellite prime contractor and Thales Alenia Space for the imaging instruments.

The Pleiades optical high-resolution imaging instruments offers enhanced resolution of 70 cm over a wide swath (20 km) in both the visible and near infrared bands. This very high resolution instrument also introduces significant innovations such as the highly-integrated detection sub-assemblies (SEDHI), while also reducing volume three-fold compared to previous generations. The instrument provides very high dimensional stability thanks to a concept combining a carbon/carbon structure (material insensitive to moisture and with a very low coefficient of thermal expansion) and Zerodur mirrors. To optimize in-flight performance, the instrument has an innovative thermal refocusing system, eliminating the need for a complex mechanism.
The absence of this mechanism plus the satellite's own enhanced performance (satellite pointing/tilting capabilities, downlink transmission rate of 450 Mbit/s) means a significant increase in mission performances.

The first flight-model instrument is now ready for delivery, after successfully passing its environmental tests. The performances of optical and radiometric tests, as measured in a Class 100 clean room in Cannes-the level required for this class of instrument-are excellent. The instrument will be integrated on the first satellite flight model, which will then undergo checks at Astrium's facility in Toulouse.

The two Pleiades observation satellites have a design life of five years and offer a high degree of in-orbit agility thanks to their maneuvering capability. They will be able to acquire a series of images both along the swath or across the swath to create a veritable mosaic of ground scenes. They are scheduled for launch in 2010 and 2011 respectively.

* (Optical and Radar Federated Earth Observation)

Source : Thales Alenia Space

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