SENTINEL - 3
SENTINEL-3 is a low-orbit mission that provides rapid monitoring of the surface of the earth and the ocean as regards their topography, temperature and colour. To cover all the requirements of GMES (Global Monitoring for Environment and Security) and, in particular, rapid monitoring services (global), the use of two operational satellites is envisaged with a sampling period of one day (land) and two days (ocean), which almost guarantees 10 cloudless days on the surface allowing optical images to be obtained. Further satellites are required to provide the sustained operational services over a minimum period of 20 years after the first launch (anticipated for 2012).
SENER has designed and verified a swing mechanism of a mirror (Flip Mirror Device) for the company Jena Optronik as part of the Sentinel programme of the European Space Agency (ESA). This project included the design, production and testing of the experimental model (Breadboard Model) of the Flip Mirror Device, which is part of the SLSTR (Sea and Land Surface Temperature Radiometer) instrument. The SLSTR has a double-sweeping mechanism which allows images to be captured from horizon to horizon thanks to the FMD, which is continuously oriented towards each sweep mechanism turning +/- 9º.
A tender has been submitted to continue the project as far as the flight models, including the mechanism and the associated electronics (components and control loop), which is currently in the evaluation phase.
