First results from the disaster monitoring constellation (DMC)

Surrey is currently engaged in launching its first constellation to provide daily global coverage at moderate resolution in three spectral bands, as part of an international initiative to provide global disaster monitoring. The first spacecraft in this disaster monitoring constellation (DMC), AlSAT-1, was launched in November 2002 and is now operational. Three further spacecraft in the constellation are currently being prepared for launch to join AlSAT-1 in July 2003. The programme employs novel models for international collaboration, and demonstrates how small satellite missions can be employed in emerging applications. This paper provides an overview of the DMC programme, details the spacecraft, and provides the first in-orbit mission results from AlSAT-1 including example of its unique EO data products comprising up to 600×600km images gathered at 32-m GSD in 3 spectral bands.