The SUNSAT Micro Satellite Program: Technical performance and limits of imaging micro satellites

This paper examines the technical performance of the SUNSAT micro satellite bus, which is supporting the high resolution imager (HRI) payload on the micro satellite which is scheduled for launch in December 1998. A number of existing remote sensing satellites are investigated to determine some key parameters by which a micro satellite remote sensing mission should be evaluated. The SUNSAT 1 HRI instrument is then evaluated in this context and future possible missions suggested which is suitable for micro satellite missions.