UK-DMC2 and Deimos-1 Launches

The spacecraft, which are both based on the 100kg class SSTL-100 micro satellite platform, will join the international Disaster Monitoring Constellation (DMC), expanding the constellation to six operational satellites. The new satellites will enhance DMC satellite daily imaging capacity for applications such as deforestation mapping, urban planning, natural resource management, security, agriculture and disaster relief operations.

Deimos-1, owned by Spanish company Deimos Space, and SSTL's own UK-DMC2 satellite, will use the latest SSTL technologies that have been developed by adapting and improving space-proven technologies from the Company's previous 21 Earth observation missions. As well as being the debut for its new 22-metre multispectral wide-swath imaging subsystem, SSTL's UK-DMC2 satellite will play an important role as a test bed for new technologies for use in future missions. 

UK-DMC2 offers enhancements over its predecessor, UK-DMC, which was launched in 2003 and continues to contribute valuable imagery beyond its 5-year design life. The new satellite will provide data continuity for the many organisations worldwide that make use of DMC data.

SSTL's launch services team is currently at the Baikonur Cosmodrome, where a second week of pre-launch checkout tests is progressing well. The six-man team has been joined by two engineers from Deimos Space as they prepare for the Spanish company's first satellite launch.