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12 NOV. 2024
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A model of the CHIME instrument has recently undergone rigorous testing to confirm it can endure the stresses of launch and the harsh conditions of space. This new Copernicus mission will provide critical data to support sustainable agriculture, and more.
The rising global population and accelerating effects of climate change are intensifying threats to food security. To help address this major issue, ESA is developing CHIME, which stands for the Copernicus Hyperspectral Imaging Mission for the Environment.
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Heidrun Weber explains CHIME
This new satellite will carry a unique visible to shortwave-infrared imaging spectrometer to return spectroscopic measurements to support new and enhanced services for sustainable agricultural and biodiversity management, as well to characterise soil properties, which is key to vegetation health.
As part of the development process, a model of this critical instrument has undergone rigorous testing at IAGB’s facilities in Germany to verify its thermal and structural integrity, ensuring it can endure the challenges of liftoff and the harsh conditions of life in orbit.
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CHIME instrument model on the shaker
These essential tests involved placing the instrument in a vacuum chamber and subjecting it to extreme temperature fluctuations, verifying that its weight and centre of mass align with design specifications, and mounting it on a shaker to confirm its resilience against the intense vibrations and noise it will encounter during launch.
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CHIME team at IABG
Jens Nieke, ESA’s CHIME Project Manager, said, “We are very happy to say that the tests went very well, and the CHIME instrument model came through with flying colours. Our thanks go to all the teams involved.
“These tests allow us to move forward with the mission development with the knowledge that this remarkable instrument is sturdy enough to withstand the eventual launch and life in space.”
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Future of Copernicus Expansion Missions secured
The Copernicus Sentinel Expansion Missions are a major leap forward in Europe’s Earth observation capabilities. With the United Kingdom’s re-entry to the EU’s Copernicus programme, funding has been confirmed to complete the development of all six Copernicus Sentinel Expansion Missions, as discussed this week during the International Astronautical Congress taking place in Milan, Italy.
Contracts signed for three high-priority environmental missions
Today, ESA signed contracts with Thales Alenia Space in France and in Italy, and Airbus in Spain to build three of the new high-priority Copernicus satellite missions: CHIME, CIMR and LSTM, respectively. Each mission is set to help address different major environmental challenges such as sustainable agriculture management, food security, the monitoring of polar ice supporting the EU Integrated Policy for the Arctic, and all will be used to understand climate change.
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Related links
Earth Observation Programmes
Only space provides the perspective to understand, monitor and act on our changing world.
Copernicus Sentinel Expansion Missions
The current suite of Sentinel missions are at the heart of Copernicus.
Thales Alenia Space
OHB-System AG
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