Earth Observation Data Downlink

The project aims to develop a data download subsystem (Earth Observation Data Downlink), which could be shipped on different satellites of the Copernicus Program, led by the European Commission (EC), in collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA).

Copernicus is the Earth observation program, designed to provide accurate, up-to-date and easily accessible information to improve environmental management, understand and mitigate the effects of climate change and ensure civil security. ESA, responsible for coordinating the distribution of data collected by more than 30 satellites, is developing five Sentinel mission families: 1 - observation of the Earth's surface, 2 - high resolution optical imaging, 3 - transport of instruments to carry out studies of the Earth and its oceans, and, 4 and 5 - measurement of the composition of the atmosphere from its geostationary orbit and polar orbit.

For its part, the data download subsystem is responsible for sending the information from the satellite to an earth station. These data are encoded and modulated, in short, they are conditioned so that they can be transmitted and downloaded to Earth. The earth station distributes the information to a long series of thematic services designed to improve the condition of life on Earth (soil management, the marine environment, the atmosphere, emergency response, security and climate change).

In short, through Copernicus, the monitoring of the Earth will help us to direct the future of our planet for the benefit of all of us.