Satellite Configuration Design - Finite Element Analysis for Satellite Structures - page 15

subsystem may not be ideal. Reliability and cost are two key considerations in this
process, which means we strive for simplicity, the fewest parts, the use of pre-
viously qualified components and proven technology, and producible design.

2.2 Mission Definition

The design and size of any satellite are highly dependent on the mission goals.
Small Sat satellite is intended for earth observation missions. The results of the
Earth remote sensing missions are used to find solutions for many problems in
several fields. The most informative remote sensing methods are related to an
observation by optical unit. Space images with high resolution are of a great
interest for national economy and science, because they make possible to compose
the detailed maps and track the slightest changes taking place on the Earth. Data
acquisition of Earth optical-electronic observation is useful for information sup-
port of economic activity, which include agricultural problems, land use, con-
struction activity, environment pollution monitoring and estimation, and
manufacture of digital locality maps. It is helpful also for finding solutions for
scientific problems.
Most earth-observation missions require low-earth orbits. The payload for
Small Sat satellite is a very precise optical unit to image the earth's surface.
Mission is intended to cover all the area of Egypt by taking images. To develop a
conceptual configuration for Small Sat, mission requirements are identified
according to objectives and purposes. Table 2.2 summarizes preliminary mission
requirements for Small Sat, which are typical of the information available at the
start of the conceptual design.

2.3 Satellite Functions

To perform the mission requirements, the satellite performs the following

functions:

• Acquisition and transmission of telemetry and signal information and data files
to the ground control station
• Reception of command-program information from the ground control station
• Pointing the satellite optic-electronic equipment to certain Earth's surface areas
• Imaging of certain Earth's surface areas
• Coding of information of images obtained and transmission to the ground station