1HOPSat TD

1HOPSat [Hera Systems]

1HOPSAT TD (1st-generation High Optical Performance Satellite Technical Demonstrator) is the prototype satellite of an earth observation constellation by Hera Systems.

The satellite is build to the 12U CubeSat form factor and will test systems for the initial operational constellation of eight 1HOPSat satellites. The satellite contains an imaging telescope payload for recording images and video of customer specified regions of the Earth at 1 meter ground sample distance (GSD). The collected images will be transmitted to Earth through ground stations over a single carrier, OQPSK, X-band radio link. Commanding and telemetry will be implemented with an experimental C-band radio using 802.11n (OFDM) technology. Commanding and telemetry are supplemented with an Iridium short burst data (SBD) radio providing low rate data

During launch, the satellite will be contained in a 12U CubeSat payload dispenser attached to the upper stage of the launch vehicle. The 12U dispenser provides full enclosure of the satellite until deployment in orbit. After deployment and prescribed time delays, antennas will deploy, imaging and communications will begin. There will be no propulsion on the TD spacecraft.

1HOPSAT TD was to be launched in 2019 on a LauncherOne rocket from Cape Canaveral into an orbit of an altitude of 500 km and inclination between 41° and 45°, but was transferred to a PSLV-QL launch.