Airbus CO3D constellation will map the planet in 3D

To map the earth in three dimensions to the nearest meter. Moreover, two pairs of eyes named CO3D must fly on Saturday, July 26. Moreover, The four satellites forming the “3D optical constellation” set must take off at 4 o’clock (Paris time). Consequently, from the European space base of Kourou (Guyana). In addition, A public-private partnership at 250 million euros. Nevertheless, including 100 funded by the National Center for Spatial Study (CNES) and 150 million funded by Airbus. Similarly, The Franco-German industrialist will marketing it at low cost data, both institutional and private partners.

“Night vision” and close infrared – Airbus co3d constellation will map

The four optical satellites will operate in pairs. Moreover, Distant of 100 kilometers. Therefore, the two members of a duo will provide images obtained from a different angle, which will make it possible to formulate a final result in three airbus co3d constellation will map dimensions. Similarly, A functioning “equivalent to what our brain does from the vision of our two eyes that look at the same point”. sums up Lionel Perret, project manager on the CNES side. The sensors are capable of working in the visible spectrum. the close infrared, including in the low luminosities, for example urban areas lit at night.

Successors of the Airbus Pleiade. Additionally, the CO3Ds were manufactured by converting part of the assembly chain of the Telecom Oneweb constellation. They incorporate a variety of innovations. including communication with ground infrastructure via laser diode which allows you to transmit 10 gigabits per second, or the ability to board AI tools developed by customers. Each satellite is capable of capturing nearly 7,000 images per day, or 2,000,000 km² for a resolution of 50 centimeters at ground level.

Defense. climate study and risk prevention

The constellation will come into service in airbus co3d constellation will map early 2026, after six months of settings, and must remain eight years in orbit. CO3D will first carry out an 18 -month demonstration phase to carry out a complete map of the globe. At the end of this mission, Airbus will market this service, which is particularly interested in the defense sector. “3D data make it possible to guide drones. flying aircraft at low altitude, to program movements of troops and vehicles in rugged mountainous areas”, identifies Lionel Perret. “”Given the current geopolitical situation. we have already had a number of brands of interest outside the institutional“, Underlines Philippe Cheoux-Damas, his counterpart on the Airbus side.

There are also numerous applications for civilians. Selma Cherchali. an assistant director of the Earth’s observation programs at the CNES, cites the study of glaciers, the evolution of vegetation, crops, coastlines, prevention of flood risks or even identification of urban heat island.

The 285 airbus co3d constellation will map kg devices will fly away aboard a Vega C launcher. which welcomes another passenger, the Microcarb satellite, responsible for mapping the sources and wells of CO2. As the take -off approach. “We will be a little tense anyway, we can’t hide it from you“, Slides the project manager at Airbus, less serene than the CNES. If Vega C’s latest launches took place successfully. Airbus keeps in memory the failure of the first commercial flight of the small Italian launcher, which had caused the loss of two satellites of the Franco-German industrialist.