Energia Rocket and Space Corporation (RSC Energia) is negotiating development of the second Earth remote sensing satellite for Egypt, TASS reports with reference to Energia’s report for first quarter of 2015.
“We are negotiating development of the second spacecraft and upgrade of the space system’s ground segment,” said in the report.
Energia is satisfied with results of flight and demonstration tests of the second satellite (EgyptSat 2) manufactured by the corporation under an agreement with Egypt; the satellite was launched from Baikonur cosmodrome on April 16th 2014.
“In 2014 RSC Energia completed development of the Earth remote sensing satellite and ground segment of the space system, including mission control center located in Egypt, static and mobile ground facilities for processing data transmitted by the satellite,” said in the document. At present Energia is providing technical support for the space system.
EgyptSat 2 spacecraft having a weight of 1050 kg is designed for Earth remote sensing in high resolution. It embodies the latest technologies aimed at generating images in visible and IR ranges. The data obtained is used in agricultural, geological and environmental studies.
The first spacecraft (EgyptSat 1) was launched on April 17th 2007 from Baikonur Cosmodrome, however, connection with the satellite was lost in 2011. Egyptian specialists said that this was a pilot project with an estimated service life of three years or less. The service life of the second satellite is 11 years.
During development of EgyptSat 2 RSC Energia used a proven versatile unpressurized space platform used during development of Russian communication satellites Yamal-100.
