The Sentinel-1D mission has entered an active phase of preparation for launch: at the European Space Operations Center (ESOC) simulations of the critical phase of launch into orbit and initial operations have started.
The new satellite is designed to replace Sentinel-1A, which works in orbit for almost 11 years - much longer than the planned service life. Sentinel-1D will be the fourth instrument in the series and will join Sentinel-1C, launched last December. The launch will take place from the Kuru Cosmodrome (French Guiana) on the Ariane rocket 6 – for the first time for a satellite operated by ESOC.
To practice scenarios in Darmstadt (Germany) assembled a team of over a hundred specialists – from flight dynamics and ground station operations to software and ESA engineers. Experience with Sentinel-1C reduced the number of training sessions from over fifteen to eight.
Simulations cover the full range of possible situations - from minor technical failures to serious anomalies. At the same time, action plans have been developed in case of overlapping launches of Sentinel-1D and Sentinel-6B, which is also planned for this year.
Sentinel-1D will provide data continuity for the Copernicus programme, will expand the possibilities of remote sensing of the Earth and support the development of the European observation infrastructure for at least the next decade. The successful completion of the training will confirm the readiness of the team and the vehicle for integration into the operational Sentinel orbital system.
Source: https://news.satnews.com