Citation
(2002), "QinetiQ reaches milestone in TopSat mission", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 74 No. 5. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2002.12774eab.015
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2002, MCB UP Limited
QinetiQ reaches milestone in TopSat mission
QinetiQ (formerly the larger part of DERA) recently reached a major milestone in the TopSat project, which is the first of its kind in the UK providing high resolution satellite imagery. The key phase involved the testing of the spacecraft structure in a vibration environment, which is affirmation that the project is on track for a successful launch in 2004.
QinetiQ is leading a consortium of UK companies in TopSat's development, which makes good use of the UK's world class capability in small satellites and high performance space missions. QinetiQ's role is both in strategic design and co-ordinating the implementation of the entire system. Once deployed QinetiQ will also manage in-theatre trials including direct reception of data in the field using a fully mobile low cost data station. Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd is involved in the development of the platform, satellite integration and the command and control system. Rutherford Appleton Laboratory is providing the high performance imaging instrument and Infoterra is developing the market for TopSat data products. The project is being funded jointly by the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) and the British National Space Centre (BNSC).