ESA to boost Earth science with NanoMagSat and Tango satellite missions
28 February 2024 08:31
The European Space Agency (ESA) has embarked on building two new Scout satellites as part of the NanoMagSat and Tango missions, as decided by the ESA Earth Observation Programme Board.
Scout satellites, being compact, aim to not only fulfill their primary function but also to add value by shrinking space technologies and showcasing new observation methods. Importantly, each mission is capped at approximately £32 million, and from the outset of construction to launch, the timeframe is limited to under three years.
New satellites from Europe
Before the initiation of NanoMagSat and Tango satellites, ESA had already commenced construction on two other similar satellites - HydroGNSS, focusing on climate monitoring and soil moisture measurement.
ESA notes that the conception of the NanoMagSat and Tango satellites dates back several years when the technology needed wasn't sufficiently advanced for implementation.
"We are thrilled to include two new Scout satellites in our suite of Earth observation missions. These compact missions are a valuable complement to the more traditional, ongoing, and upcoming Earth Explorer missions, promising significant contributions to earth sciences and societal benefits," stated Simonetta Cheli, the director of Earth Observation Programmes at ESA.
The NanoMagSat mission involves launching three satellites, each weighing around 24 kg, into orbit to assess our planet's magnetic field and examine ionospheric phenomena. This initiative will enhance our grasp of magnetic field phenomena, the Sun's influence on its behavior, and the comprehensive atmosphere-ionosphere-magnetosphere system.
Magnetic field monitoring key for technology
The magnetic field and its currents hold critical significance for modern technology. Insights from these satellites will advance space weather forecasting and improve various technologies, including GPS systems, smartphones, and directional drilling methods.
The Tango mission aims to augment methane and nitrogen dioxide measurements, presently undertaken by the Copernicus Sentinel-5P satellite and the anticipated Copernicus Carbon Dioxide Monitoring instrument. It involves deploying two satellites to observe emissions from 150 to 300 industrial sites and power plants, offering precise data on the discharge of these gases.
