IOD-1 GEMS (IOD 1)

Launch data: Designation  44385 / 98067QK Launch date  17 Apr 2019 - 20:46 UT Launch site  MARS, LA-0B Launch vehicle  Antares-230 Mission  Technology, Weather observation Launch platform  ISS, LEO Deployment date  03 July 2019 - 10:15 UT Earth orbit: Perigee / Apogee  408 x 418 km Inclination   51.6° Period  92.6 min

Spacecraft data:

Description:

• In-Orbit Demonstration-1 Global Environmental Monitoring Satellite (IOD-1 GEMS) is a demonstration mission for a future commercial passive microwave weather observation service by Orbital Micro Systems. IOD1-GEMS is delivered through the Satellite Applications Catapult′s In-Orbit Demonstration Programme, funded by InnovateUK.
• Assembled in under six months, Clyde Space has provided the satellite platform, payload integration, and testing of the IOD-1 GEMS spacecraft. The flight-proven Clyde Space platform utilizes the company′s next generation power subsystems, high-speed s-band transmitter and high-performance onboard computer that support the customer′s payload requirements.
• The IOD-1 GEMS weather observation satellite has applications for a variety of industry sectors such as agriculture, insurance, and transportation, where accurate, timely weather data improves forecasting, financial modeling, and operations. A substantial portion of Earth′s surface and atmosphere remain under-observed, and current accessible weather information does not always meet the standards required.
• IOD-1 GEMS is owned by Satellite Applications Catapult Ltd., although built by Orbital Microsystems and ClydeSpace. Catapult has a ground station at Goonhilly in Cornwall, site of the first transatlantic satcom link.
• OMS plan to deploy a constellation of small satellites post IOD-1 GEMS success as part of its Global Environmental Monitoring Satellite (GEMS) program which would provide temperature, humidity and precipitation readings at different levels throughout the atmosphere, with a 15-minute refresh rate for any global position. OMS anticipate delivering weather data to insurance, aerospace, maritime, energy and agriculture markets. Through this data, businesses that rely on accurate and timely weather information would be able to substantially improve operational efficiencies.

External links:

• NASA: Satellite Information
• AAcmicrotec: Satellite description
• Satellite tracking: Real time satellite tracking