Earth observation program at the Khrunichev State research and production Space Center

This report represents the system of small satellites for remote sensing, based on the generic space bus. The main goals of the system are mapping, natural resource management, control of natural and man-induced risks, control of environment. The system of small satellites for remote sensing includes space/ground segments. The space segment is the orbital constellation of small satellites for remote sensing fit with optoelectronic, radar equipment and instruments to obtain natural resources data. The launch of the first satellite is scheduled for November 2001. The deployment of the whole system is planned to be completed by 2006. The ground segment includes: ground control complex, mission management, data archiving and product generation facility, ground receiving station of the Khrunichev Space Center, federal and regional data receiving stations (functionally), data communication and transmission system. The purpose of the program is to provide Russian and foreign users with natural resource information. (C) 2003 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.