UK-DMC
Encyclopedia
The UK-DMC satellite
is one of a number of satellites in the Disaster Monitoring Constellation
(DMC). It was built by Surrey Satellite Technology, who operate it via DMC International Imaging
on behalf of the UK Space Agency
. It was launched alongside other DMC satellites on 27 September 2003.
As well as carrying remote sensing
imaging sensors, the satellite also carries experimental payloads: the CLEO Cisco router in Low Earth Orbit, an experiment demonstrating GNSS reflectometry
, and a water resistojet propulsion system
. The UK-DMC demonstrated the first use of the Interplanetary Internet
in space.
It has been followed by the UK-DMC 2
satellite, leading to it retroactively being called the UK-DMC-1 satellite. It was also called the BNSCSat-1 satellite, after the British National Space Centre
, now the UK Space Agency
. UK-DMC was placed in a lower orbit in November 2010, as it neared the end of its operational life. Daily operations ceased in November 2011, after over eight years in orbit.
Satellite
In the context of spaceflight, a satellite is an object which has been placed into orbit by human endeavour. Such objects are sometimes called artificial satellites to distinguish them from natural satellites such as the Moon....
is one of a number of satellites in the Disaster Monitoring Constellation
Disaster Monitoring Constellation
The Disaster Monitoring Constellation consists of a number of remote sensing satellites constructed by Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd and operated for the Algerian, Nigerian, Turkish, British and Chinese governments by DMC International Imaging...
(DMC). It was built by Surrey Satellite Technology, who operate it via DMC International Imaging
DMC International Imaging
DMC International Imaging is the company that manages the Disaster Monitoring Constellation for the International Charter for Space and Major Disasters. It also sells satellite imaging services under contract. DMCII is a wholly owned subsidiary of Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd...
on behalf of the UK Space Agency
UK Space Agency
The UK Space Agency is a United Kingdom government agency responsible for its civil space programme. It was established on 1 April 2010 to replace the British National Space Centre and took over responsibility for government policy and key budgets for space and represents the UK in all negotiations...
. It was launched alongside other DMC satellites on 27 September 2003.
As well as carrying remote sensing
Remote sensing
Remote sensing is the acquisition of information about an object or phenomenon, without making physical contact with the object. In modern usage, the term generally refers to the use of aerial sensor technologies to detect and classify objects on Earth by means of propagated signals Remote sensing...
imaging sensors, the satellite also carries experimental payloads: the CLEO Cisco router in Low Earth Orbit, an experiment demonstrating GNSS reflectometry
GNSS reflectometry
GNSS reflectometry involves making measurements from the reflections from the Earth of navigation signals from Global Navigation Satellite Systems such as GPS. It is also known as GPS reflectometry....
, and a water resistojet propulsion system
Resistojet rocket
A resistojet is a method of Spacecraft propulsion that provides thrust by heating a fluid. Heating is usually achieved by sending electricity through a resistor consisting of a hot incandescent filament, with the expanded gas expelled through a conventional nozzle.Resistojets have been flown in...
. The UK-DMC demonstrated the first use of the Interplanetary Internet
Interplanetary Internet
The Interplanetary Internet is a conceived computer network in space, consisting of a set of network nodes which can communicate with each other. Communication would be greatly delayed by the great interplanetary distances, so the IPN needs a new set of protocols and technology that are tolerant...
in space.
It has been followed by the UK-DMC 2
UK-DMC 2
UK-DMC 2 is a British Earth imaging satellite which is operated by DMC International Imaging. It was constructed by Surrey Satellite Technology, based on the SSTL-100 satellite bus. It is part of Britain's contribution to the Disaster Monitoring Constellation, which is coordinated by DMC...
satellite, leading to it retroactively being called the UK-DMC-1 satellite. It was also called the BNSCSat-1 satellite, after the British National Space Centre
British National Space Centre
The British National Space Centre was a British government body that coordinated civil space activities for the UK. It was replaced on 1 April 2010 by the UK Space Agency.-Structure:...
, now the UK Space Agency
UK Space Agency
The UK Space Agency is a United Kingdom government agency responsible for its civil space programme. It was established on 1 April 2010 to replace the British National Space Centre and took over responsibility for government policy and key budgets for space and represents the UK in all negotiations...
. UK-DMC was placed in a lower orbit in November 2010, as it neared the end of its operational life. Daily operations ceased in November 2011, after over eight years in orbit.
External links
- SSTL page describing UK-DMC satellite, retrieved 2 November 2007.