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The Whole Range of OHB's Universe

The Whole Range of OHB's Universe

THE CUSTOMER MAGAZINE OF THE OHB GROUP

SpaceDataHighway: OHB’s second Fascination and benefit:Marco Fuchs Copernicus: Independent infrastruc- geostationary complements speaks about the importance of ture for the delivery of high-quality EDRS laser communication system observation from space data for protection and security

DIVERSITY IN TIME AND SPACE: The whole range of OHB’s universe

2019 Contents // 03

PUBLISHING DETAILS CONTENTS

Published by OHB SE, Unternehmenskommunikation Manfred-Fuchs-Platz 2–4 28359 Tel.: +49 (0)421 2020-8 Fax: +49 (0)421 2020-700 www.ohb.de

Editorial team Günther Hörbst // OHB SE (V. i. S. d. P.) Julia Riedl // OHB System AG Dear reader, Janina Heyn // OHB SE Pia Bausch // OHB SE Leaving our planet and viewing it from above is a spectacular and, at Danela Sell // PR & Redaktion the same time, fascinating sight that has become possible with space Cover technology. From above, you can appreciate the sheer vulnerability of INTERVIEW 04 collage from magazine content, copyrights below this tiny blue speck against the backdrop of the universe. The aware- ness of this vulnerability and, associated with this, the need to observe Marco Fuchs, CEO of OHB SE, discusses the major benefit of Earth observation from space. Images the changes on the Earth even more effectively and precisely have Francesca Patrizia Bonvissuto 29 been heightened through human space flight. COMMUNICATION 08 Bettina Conradi 02, 04 OHB’s second geostationary satellite, EDRS-C, is part of the European SpaceDataHighway, DGLR 15 Satellite technology is indispensable for this purpose. What’s more, it the most complex laser communication network ever to have been developed. ESA 22 makes it possible to gain new insights into the condition of the Earth in contains modified Copernicus Sentinel data the first place by collecting data and facts. In this sense, Earth obser- EXPLORATION 10 (2017, 2018, 2019), processed by ESA, CC BY-SA 3.0 IGO, 18, 23, 25 vation helps us to learn more about the Earth and perhaps find out OHB can look back on a long history of exploring space and its planets. contains modified Copernicus Sentinel data (2017), more effectively and swiftly where it is heading. For this reason, I am Particular focus is placed on the and Mars. processed by DLR/ESA, 24 also convinced that the environment, including the and the ESA / CNES / 18 climate, will gain enormous importance in the long term. Environmental HUMAN RESOURCES 13 ESA / S. Corvaja 09 monitoring from will assume a dimension that we cannot The aerospace engineer Andrea Jaime talks about the professional opportunities at ESA/ D. Ducros 11 even imagine at this point in time. It will acquire a permanence and OHB and why she loves her job so much. ESA / NASA 06 complexity that will clearly distinguish it from all other areas. Recon- ESA//CaSSIS, CC BY-SA 3.0 IGO, 10 naissance involves three or four imaging sensors, such as high-resolution NAVIGATION 14 ESAScienceOffice.org 16 electronic optics, radar and . Much more is involved when it Higher positioning accuracy and high-precision services: the Galileo navigation system is EUMETSAT 03, 05 Michael Jungblut 11 comes to monitoring the environment. I think that in the future we will up and running and set to be further expanded. LuxSpace 20 develop and deploy innovative sensors with compatible satellite con- SPACE SAFETY 16 MT Mechatronics 27 stellations in order to satisfy the social mandate. NASA 11 The main focus of the ESA is on protecting the Earth. OHB is investigating a number of OHB Italia 07, 20 , 27 Once again, is at the service of humankind. I am both possible scenarios for how our planet can be protected from hazards from space. OHB System 08, 09, 13, 19, 21, 22, 27 proud and delighted that OHB can use its expertise in Earth observa - OHB / CCMeyer 15 tion technology to contribute to preserving our planet in the long term. EARTH OBSERVATION 18 RUAG Space 10 OHB achieves both great and small things when it comes to Earth observation: pioneering work Shutterstock 8 & 9 (background), 17 Best regards, in the field of complex hyperspectral , advanced micro- and nanosatellite platforms SpaceIL 11 Marco Fuchs as well as the latest generation of weather satellites. Concept & Layout CLIMATE & WEATHER 22 Danela Sell & Sara Lünemann The Copernicus EU space programme aims to answer environmental and security-related questions. Translation Given its high level of expertise, OHB plays a central role here. Synonym Translations, Bremen SAFETY & RECONNAISSANCE 26 Proofreading OHB is the Federal Republic of Germany’s leading technology partner in the field of satellite-based Textgärtnerei, Bremen reconnaissance. Printed by DIVERSITY 29 STÜRKEN PRINT PRODUCTIONS, Bremen At OHB, diversity stands for both the wealth of products offered and the way we treat each other.

FACTS & FIGURES 30 04 // Interview Interview // 05

Why Earth observation from space is so essential.

Marco Fuchs has been CEO of OHB SE since 2000 and CEO of OHB System AG since 2011. Born in 1962, he is a lawyer and has been with OHB since 1995. In an interview with the Head of Communications, Günther Hörbst, he spoke about how satellites are helping us to learn more about the Earth.

The return of German Alexander Gerst from the ISS has once again sparked enthusiasm for space. Where does this fascina- tion come from? It stems from the fact that with space flight it be- came possible for humans to leave Earth. That’s what’s so spectacular about the things that astro- nauts do. They see the Earth as a whole from above. From space, the vulnerable entirety of our small globe becomes evident. This impression is reflected most vividly in the now iconographic photograph taken by the crew of , who captured the rise of the Earth above the horizon of the Moon in 1968. This picture and Neil Arm- strong’s first step from the Eagle Lunar Module on the surface of the Moon in July 1969 are the imag- es that epitomise the fascination of space most emotionally. Hardly anyone is left untouched.

After his return, Gerst shot a very emotional video in which he apologised to his unborn grandchildren for the way humanity has been treating the Earth. This emotional appeal was What is the greatest benefit of Earth observation? Planet Earth from the triggered by what is known as the overview ef- You get the facts straight. Our culture is based on perspective of an MSG . fect – the view from space on all of humanity. Is knowledge and on empiricism. You admit that you it conceivable that with Earth observation satel- don’t know everything, that observation brings lite technology this effect could spread to all further insight and that this insight may possibly people, thus arousing greater awareness of change your behaviour. In this sense, Earth ob- our planet’s vulnerability? servation helps us to learn more about the Earth The emotional element comes from the awareness and perhaps find out more effectively and swiftly of Earth’s vulnerability. And particularly the reali- where it is heading. The deeper purpose of space sation that we are all dependent on this one small activities in this case is to do this on a larger scale. dot in the vastness of space. In addition, knowledge And great authority can be derived from this. In and a realisation of the things that we actually al- the end, it always boils down to proving or dis- ready know are rendered more tangible through a proving forecasts or theories. To this end, you visual impression. This one single image of the have to observe and collect facts. This applies at Earth instantaneously shows what is at stake. least to the environment and the climate. In the case of satellite-based reconnaissance, it is per- haps more important to depict reality in a confi- 06 // Interview Interview // 07

dent and independent way in order to know what is come a science that provides precise predictions. What is the goal for OHB with Copernicus? true. Political and, if necessary, military decisions In short, the weather is the most important day- We would like to become the system leader for are then made on this basis. to-day question that interests everyone. Everyone, two out of six possible new missions and take on a in all cultures, in all situations, is interested in the substantial role in two more, for example payload Which of these areas is most important for OHB? weather. responsibility. For a long time, satellite-based reconnaissance was the most important area for OHB. SAR-Lupe That sounds like a permanent business model. Another ambitious but very complex project is was a project that catapulted us into a new league. This is what I firmly believe. Weather observation the EnMAP environmental satellite. There have That was about 18 years ago. If you take a look will still be very, very important for a very, very been many mainly technical problems and de- inside our facilities at the moment, you will see long time to come. Business in satellites in this lays. In the meantime, however, the project is that our activities mainly focus on satellites for area will benefit from this because weather ob- nearing completion. Are you pleased? weather observation. In the long term, the envi- servation satellites have become much better in Yes, because it shows that at our company we ronment, including the weather and climate, will recent decades. The question is always the same: have the courage to tackle things that have never certainly be the most important area. what can we observe, what insights can we gain been done before and that we have the stamina to and what can we deduce from them? From this find solutions to enormous challenges. In this The EAGLET 1 is a And what developments do you see for Earth point of view, space activities have contributed respect, I am very pleased, especially since a satellite of the class under ten kilograms. It observation as a whole? much to ; by the same token, similar satellite – PRISMA from our subsidiary What projects are the most important for OHB was developed and built It will advance disparately in a cycle of innovation. however, the weather has also brought a lot to OHB Italia – has already been completed. in the area of reconnaissance? by OHB Italia. Reconnaissance tells us about the status quo. space activities. SAR-Lupe has been running very successfully in Weather observation provides information What was the challenging aspect of EnMAP? full operational mode for over eleven years with- about today, tomorrow and the day The next generation of weather satellites, The observation instrument of the satellite is a out even the slightest failure. The follow-up sys- after tomorrow. However, envi- MTG, is currently being built at our facilities. brand-new development and from this point of tem SARah is currently being implemented and ronmental monitoring will What major advances have been achieved? view technically enormously challenging. The has reached an advanced stage of development. face the question as to how There are imager and sounder satellites. In the project was considerably more difficult than we We also have two important projects for Germany long-term developments case of imager satellites, the aim is to improve had thought at the beginning. But it has developed and Luxembourg in the field of high-resolution are to be assessed and imaging capabilities significantly. However, the enormously over the years. What was originally a electro-optical reconnaissance. We would also influenced. sounder satellites are where the real is simple small satellite has become a very complex like to work with the Italian government on our being made. Profile measurements in the vertical medium-sized satellite – both technically and EAGLET series of small satellites. EAGLET 1 Does this mean plane are now possible, enabling the three- financially. was successfully launched at the end of 2018 and that OHB is making dimensional acquisition of atmospheric data. This EAGLET 2 is currently being built for the Italian a contribution to innovation permits a more accurate long-term EnMAP is a hyperspectral satellite. Ministry of Defence. protecting and pre- forecast and it will also be possible to predict local What does that mean? serving the planet in weather events with greater precision. Hyperspectral means that data is recorded in 20 What potential can you see when you consider the long term? to 250 spectral channels, ranging from ultraviolet the environment and climate? Yes it is. The purpose of In November, at the ESA Council of Ministers wavelengths to long-wave infrared. Measure- As far as weather satellites are concerned, we are all space activities is to conference, a decision will also be taken on the ments from space were previously not possible looking at the imager and sounder satellites that derive benefits for the European Earth observation mission Copernicus. with the accuracy that we can now achieve with are part of the MTG project. Our third contribution Earth. When we monitor the OHB is currently involved in the mission with a EnMAP. There are only two projects in the world in the weather segment is the microwave imager environment, we seek to pre- total of five feasibility studies. How important for which hyperspectral satellites of this com- (MWI), which will be assembled by OHB Italia as a serve the Earth. is Copernicus for OHB? plexity are being developed and built – and both of further payload for the future polar-orbiting Euro- Astronaut Alexander Very important. So far, we have only been involved them are being executed at OHB. pean weather satellites. With respect to the envi- Gerst filmed this sunrise And the benefits for humanity? Do you think in the programme via a limited share of the ronmental satellites, I would mention Sentinel 4, from the ISS. that they will be generally acknowledged in Sentinel 4 project. There’s great future potential What does this technological lead mean our contributions to the FLEX payload, EnMap, day-to-day life? for us. From a strategic point of view, it is the larg- strategically? PRISMA and the new Copernicus missions. Our As far as weather observation is concerned, est new field for OHB that we intend to tap. This technology delivers high-quality data for en- main focus is of course on the upcoming Copernicus there’s no doubt that this is the case. That’s the vironmental monitoring. Hyperspectral technolo- missions. Being a part of this project on a reason- most everyday form of information that you can gy allows conclusions to be drawn about dynamic able scale is the most important thing for us. currently get. And many older people still re- environmental influences. It is about being able to member that for a long time the weather forecast make qualitative statements on, for example, the had more to do with fortune telling than with em- development of soils or vegetation. piricism. Today it’s completely different. Weather forecasts have become reliable. They have be- 08 // Communication Communication // 09

quirements of this mission. Design adjustments casting authorities. “I am always pleased when The satellite was Destination: Space were made, for instance, to accommodate the our efforts and the expertise of our employees re- thoroughly checked in special and demanding requirements of the op- sult in a space system useful to a large number of the course of the environmental test tical payload. In addition, the modular TM/TC people in and worldwide. EDRS-C is an- campaign – e.g., in the Mission: Relaying Data – subsystem has been extended in order to operate other satellite project fulfilling this criterion,” space simulation in the S and Ka band. In addition, secure encryp- added Marco Fuchs. chamber, in the vibration tion electronics have been installed,” explained and sound laboratories Dr Stefan Voegt, EDRS-C project manager at TEAM PLAYERS and in the CATR facility. Fast & Secure All to ensure that the OHB System AG. “Our satellite EDRS-C per- “We developed and built the satellite under a con- SmallGEO satellite will formed well in the extensive test campaign that tract with . Aboard our withstand the stresses OHB’s second geostationary satellite to enhance stretched over several months and backs our ap- satellite is a data relay payload with a laser com- and strains during launch the performance of Europe’s SpaceDataHighway proach to offer customers a modular and versatile munications terminal for satellite-to-satellite and the conditions in satellite platform.” links supplied by our partner Tesat-Spacecom. space. The hosted payload HYLAS 3 was provided by OHB System AG is the principal contractor for the development and manufacture of the SPECIAL PLACE IN SPACE Avanti Communications under a contract with EDRS-C satellite, the second node for the European Data Relay System (EDRS), which is also “EDRS-C will be shipped to the in ESA as a customer-furnished item to OHB. We, in referred to as the SpaceDataHighway. EDRS-C is the second telecommunications satellite by Kourou in French Guyana five to six weeks prior to turn, contracted the test house IABG for the satel- OHB and is based on the company’s proven SmallGEO platform. Would you like to learn launch. The satellite is scheduled for a launch on lite’s environmental test campaign,” explained more about the 24th July 2019 on an . The Airbus satellite’s Dr Voegt. EDRS is a public-private partnership SmallGEO platform and operational position is at 31° East, roughly 36,000 between the (ESA) and our further SmallGEO kilometres above the equator,” said Dr Voegt. Airbus Defence and Space. EDRS-SpaceData- satellite projects? “We are proud to contribute to the European laser- cation technology, and to send the data down to “The geostationary position allows data from LEO Highway is supported by the German Space Ad- based data relay system that will establish a new ground stations based in Europe. For the inter- satellites equipped with dedicated laser termi- ministration at DLR with funding from the Federal standard in space-based communication,” said satellite link between low Earth orbiting satellites nals to be accessed by the end users in close to Ministry of Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi) Marco Fuchs, CEO of OHB SE. “Our first SmallGEO and the EDRS satellites, laser communication real time.” and the Federal State of Bavaria. Together with its satellite, Hispasat 36W-1, heralded our debut as a terminals – developed and built by Tesat-Spacecom sister company OHB in Bremen, LuxSpace is re- satellite provider for the telecommunications in Germany – are used for high data rate require- EDRS FOR TIME-CRITICAL AND sponsible for the TT&R subsystem which trans-

market; with EDRS-C we intend to strengthen our ments, while a set of Ka-band RF terminals is used SENSITIVE INFORMATION mits information on the conditions of vital satel- position in this segment.” for the high data rate links between the EDRS EDRS will provide encrypted data transmission in lite systems to the ground stations. MT Aerospace satellites and the ground stations. broadband quality in near- and quasi-real time. delivered structure panels. EDRS-SPACEDATAHIGHWAY: Emergency response teams and security services THE BASICS The EDRS-C satellite is based on the modular can thus use EDRS to gain much faster access to The SpaceDataHighway is the world’s first “opti- SmallGEO platform design developed by OHB Earth observation satellite data. User groups in- cal fibre in the sky” based on cutting-edge laser System AG as part of ESA’s Advanced Research in clude the European that technology. EDRS will be a unique system of sat- Telecommunications Systems (ARTES) pro- provides environmental monitoring and climate ellites permanently fixed over a network of ground gramme. “With the EDRS-C satellite, we realised change services, the European Columbus Module stations designed to relay data between low Earth the first satellite with dedicated optimisation for of the International Space Station, government orbiting satellites and the EDRS satellites in geo- optical communication. We modified the Small- security services, emergency response teams and stationary using innovative laser communi- GEO satellite platform to meet the specific re- maritime surveillance as well as weather fore- Exploration // 11

FINAL COUNTDOWN ONE SMALL STEP TO THE RED PLANET FOR (A) MAN

Mars has been inspiring human imagination for centuries. Today, in addition to the many The 21st of July 2019 marks the fiftieth anniversary of the first crewed . At that time, the exploration myths, there are also a wealth of scientific findings concerning our neighbouring planet. The of Earth’s only natural satellite was driven by the Cold War; it was not about science, but about demonstrating ongoing ExoMars programme is making a significant contribution to this, and OHB is on board. technical superiority. 50 years later, the idea of exploration has come back into focus. At OHB, this idea is a deep-seated tradition.

ExoMars, a cooperation between the European In addition to the carrier, OHB is also contributing Space Agency (ESA) and the Russian space agency key elements for the Mars Rover, which was de- Roscosmos, focuses on searching for traces of life veloped by Airbus Defence & Space. The experts The OHB subsidiary MT Aerospace develops and manufactures parts of the fuel tanks for on the Red Planet. The first part of the ExoMars at OHB’s “Optics & Science” space centre in Ober- NASA’s System, a future heavy-duty for missions to the Moon, Mars mission, a (TGO) and an entry pfaffenhofen will be contributing their expertise in and distant planets. and landing module, was launched in 2016. As a selecting, preparing, distributing and analysing subcontractor to Thales Alenia Space, OHB System the soil samples taken at depths of up to two me- was responsible for the TGO’s core module, the tres. They developed a high-resolution camera, a largest German contribution to the mission. Part 2, complex system for sample preparation and dis- a carrier with landing module and rover, is tribution housed inside the rover and contribu- Through its subsidiary OHB Sweden, OHB has a stake in the Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle, planned for 2020. The carrier, which has been tions to the RAMAN/RLS laser instrument, which which will, among other things, take the next NASA to the Moon. OHB Sweden integrated built by OHB in Bremen, will carry the Russian allows mineralogical investigations to be carried and tested the propulsion qualification model for the . The model was then transported landing module from the space company Lavoch- out on site. to the USA, where preparations for its maiden flight to the Moon are currently under way. kin the around 530 million kilometres at that time to our planetary neighbour. The launch with the Russian launcher Proton from Baikonur is planned for July 2020. Agencies, OHB led a core team with partner companies engineers and scientists expect initial results RUAG, Switzerland, its Belgian sister company from the mission in April 2021. Like the ISS, the Lunar Orbital Platform-Gateway is to be modular in design. Unlike the ISS, the Antwerp Space and Thales Alenia Space, UK. Lunar Orbital Platform-Gateway will be constructed in lunar orbit. OHB is involved in the devel- Together, they supply the structural model, an opment of the European ESPRIT module, which will supply the gateway with fuel and enable electronics test stand, the X-band communication telecommunications with the lunar surface. system, the flight model as well as spare parts, “We are delighted with the first results from various items of ground equipment and mathe- the Trace Gas Orbiter” (Håkan Svedhem, matical simulation models. ESA’s TGO project scientist) And so are we at OHB! Orbiting the Red Planet, TGO’s analysis of atmospheric trace gases gives scientists OHB is cooperating with IAI (Israel Aerospace Industries) and the US space company insight into the biological and geological pro- on lunar landing systems. Together with IAI, a landing system is to be offered for European use. cesses. Congratulations to the scientists! … The concept is based on the Israeli “”. In cooperation with Blue Origin, a land- and to our OHB colleagues who developed ing device is to be brought to the Moon as part of the Blue Moon mission. The transport of and built the TGO Core Module! We are look- several tons of freight is also planned. ing forward to further news from TGO and to the RSP Mission in 2020!

In preparation for prolonged crewed missions to the Moon and Mars, OHB is working continuously on the topic of sustainability at various locations. These topics include the use of resources available on other planets to generate oxygen or energy as well as the on-site production of structures using 3D printing. In addition, OHB has been working on the development of autono- mous ecosystems capable of withstanding the gravitational and radiation conditions of the Moon and Mars since 2010. Human Resources // 13

Space pioneers at OHB Why Business Development Manager Andrea Jaime says “I love my job!”

A career in space doesn’t have to stay a dream. OHB is always on the lookout for new pioneers all around the entire world and in all cor - porate segments. In this interview, Business Development Manager Andrea Jaime described her personal impressions of her dream of a “space job”.

The aerospace engineer Andrea Jaime, in her young professionals initiated by Andrea Jaime. Meet Andrea Jaime in early 30s, has known ever since she was a little “This internal initiative brings the OHB young pro- this video: girl that her passion is space, so all her education fessionals together to share ideas and recom- and professional trajectory has been focused on mendations with our board members. The aim is developing her expertise in the space sector. In to adapt the current processes in our company and addition to her Master’s in aerospace engineer- design a better future. OHB has still a lot to offer to ing, she is a graduate of the International Space the space sector in Europe and worldwide, and I University. She then moved to ESTEC, to work as a am really looking forward not only to seeing this, young graduate trainee in the human space flight but also to contributing to it actively. I love my job.” department. Although she started to appreciate the importance of , as an aerospace However, a short break at OHB is also possible as engineer she missed the technical component in a Business Development Manager: Andrea is then her day-to-day work. In 2015, she found her per- taking care of her two-legged “project”. fect job at OHB System AG. Working here as a Business Development Manager allows her to demonstrate her expertise in space policy, strate- gy, programmatic and business development while remaining close to the technical projects and teams.

Apart from this, one of the things Andrea really appreciates at OHB are the opportunities that our company gives each employee. “Each of us can Will you have contribute to the current growth of the company. I feel that my voice is heard within the company and my inputs are passed on and followed up.” One been with us example of this is the “OHB NextGen”, a group of when we saved the world through foresight?

www.ohb.de/karriere 14 // Navigation Navigation // 15

SERVICES FOR THE POPULATION Europe’s own global navigation system Galileo Trailblazing & smart makes various services available for positioning, navigation and timing. In its final configuration, Europe’s navigation system Galileo is in operation. The development of the high-precision it will comprise 24 satellites arranged at three service continues. Technical innovations in OHB’s design lead to higher positioning accuracy levels plus reserve satellites and a worldwide compared with other systems. network of tracking (earth) stations. The first ser- vices were made available in December 2016. Each satellite newly integrated into the satellite constellation enhances the stability and speed of They come from OHB and perform their reliable words: “OHB has done a tremendous job in deliv- the system. The development of the high-precision service in space at an altitude of around 23,000 ering quality satellites in record time. We wish to service continues. At present, there are more than kilometres: we are talking about the Galileo FOC* thank all their teams for their dedication and are 70 types of smartphone able to receive Galileo signals satellites. 22 of them are currently in extraterres- looking forward to continuing this partnership.” available in Europe, and more than 500 million trial service. They enable citizens in Europe and Galileo devices had been sold by October 2018. all over the world to make use of a large variety of SERIAL PRODUCTION IN FULL SWING The latest smartphones available receive not only helpful navigation applications. Moreover, thanks In a total of three bidding rounds, OHB has so far GPS and GLONASS, but also the open navigation to Galileo, Europe managed to gain its independ- been able to assert itself as the manufacturer of service on offer to the public at large. ence from other global sys- the satellite platforms and system leader and has tems like GPS and GLONASS. As of 2020, replace- been commissioned by the European Space ment satellites will be made available to the Agency (ESA) to develop, build and test a total of Galileo constellation** – likewise “made by OHB”. 34 Galileo satellites. The team is working at full ESA’s Director of Navigation, Paul Verhoef, speed on the final order for twelve satellites: “We praised the performance of our team with these took up serial production at our production is- lands again in December 2018. We now intend to take up production of a further satellite every six INFO weeks,” explained Dr Kristian Pauly, Director of Navigation at OHB. The first two replacement sat- Our Galileo development team was ellites for the Galileo satellite system will be honoured by the German Society for ready for launch in autumn 2020. “At that point in Aeronautics and Astronautics (DGLR) time, the other ten satellites will be at different for outstanding achievement in the stages of production. We will complete two addi- conceptualisation and realisation of tional satellites every three months,” said Dr Pauly. the system with the Wernher-von- The satellites have been and will continue to be Braun Award. launched from the European launch site in Kourou, French Guiana.

* The phase until reaching full operational capability (FOC) of the Galileo programme is being funded by the . The and the European Space Agency (ESA) have signed a transfer agreement providing for the ESA to act on behalf of the Commission as the entity responsible for development and procurement. The views expressed here do not necessarily constitute the positions of the European Union or ESA. Galileo is a registered trademark owned by the EU. ** The present constellation comprises IOV (In-Orbit Validation) satellites and FOC (Full Operational Capability) satellites. 16 // Space Safety Space Safety // 17

Polar lights are formed when the wind hits the Earth’s atmosphere.

Normally, the solar wind is not perceptible on Earth or only in the polar regions in the form of A vulnerable speck polar lights, because the terrestrial magnetic field deflects the stream of particles. However, strong solar flares can have severe effects. For of dust in space example, solar storms can cause large-scale power outages by disturbing the magnetosphere. Satellites are even more exposed to the effects of How can Earth be protected from solar storms than systems on the surface of the Earth, which is comparatively more protected. In asteroid impacts? addition to damage to solar cells and electronic systems, the heating and expansion of the outer- most layers of Earth’s atmosphere as a result of the high-energy radiation also poses a threat. The Hera probe is part In addition to the Sun and the planets with their built at OHB Italia and is scheduled for installation Low-flying satellites thus experience increased of a planetary defence , there are countless small bodies like as- in Sicily at the end of 2019. resistance, which creates a drag on them. They mission. teroids, and comets drifting through may even fall to the ground if their orbit is not lift- our solar system. Some of them cross Earth’s or- ESA is also participating in a test mission for ed in a steering manoeuvre. The US space station bit. These objects, also known as NEOs (near- planetary defence. The AIDA (Asteroid Impact and was also affected and had to be abandoned Earth objects), are observed worldwide by teams Deflection Assessment) mission has been devel- earlier than planned for this very reason. of experts. The observation and classification of oped in collaboration with NASA. As part of AIDA, NEOs serves scientific purposes as well as the the smaller body of the near-Earth Didymos twin Consequently, ESA is also working on a mission to protection of Earth. “Every year, we discover asteroid is to be pushed to another orbit through L5, point 5. The gravitational conditions around 1,000 new asteroids in our solar system,” the controlled impact of a NASA probe. The Euro- at this point allow a to be positioned explained Marc Scheper, Head of Space Transpor- pean contribution is the Hera probe, which will be stably for solar observation. Currently, the warn- tation, Robotic Missions and Exploration at OHB. tracking the Didymos system closely after impact. ing time before solar storms is only a few hours. “But even if we were to discover a body of a dan- OHB is currently working on a detailed mission However, with the Lagrange probe in position, this gerous size on a collision course today, space definition for this probe on behalf of ESA. “It is im- period could be extended to four to five days. agencies would not be able to react spontaneous- portant to know exactly what effects a collision ly. Their response would require careful planning will have on the orbit of an asteroid,” explained The observatory for the L5 mission is being de- and prior technological testing in space in order Marc Scheper. “Only then can we take effective signed by OHB on behalf of the ESA. Work is cur- to launch an effective asteroid defence mission.” defensive action.” rently under way on the specifications for the space probe and the integration process for the For this reason, the targeted search for NEOs WHAT DO NORTHERN LIGHTS HAVE instruments. The instruments are a critical point forms part of ESA’s Space Situational Awareness TO DO WITH POWER FAILURES? of the mission, as they have to measure and send (SSA) programme. The plan is to set up a world- Like the weather on Earth, is also data to Earth continuously even and especially in wide network of special “flyeye” telescopes for influenced significantly by the Sun. In addition to times of increased solar activity. Due to the spe- the automated monitoring of the night sky. Like electromagnetic radiation, which includes visible cial requirements that the instruments must the complex eyes of the insects to which they owe light, the Sun also emits a constant stream of meet, two further studies have been commis- their name, these telescopes combine several charged particles, known as solar wind. As solar sioned by the ESA to explore this matter. OHB is lenses in order to achieve a wider field of vision. activity increases, this stream of particles can inten- involved as a subcontractor in the development of The first of these telescopes is currently being sify sharply in a phenomenon known as a solar storm. a special magnetometer. 18 // Earth Observation Earth Observation // 19

The pinnacle of Pioneers in the environmental monitoring hyperspectral realm There are only two projects in the world that can provide Under contract from DLR, the German Aerospace Center, OHB System is currently working on the complex hyperspectral analyses from space: both are being first German hyperspectral mission EnMAP (Envi- realised by OHB. ronmental Mapping and Analysis Program). Imag- ing spectrometers measure the solar radiation reflected by the surface of the Earth in the range With PRISMA (PRecursore IperSpettrale della the satellite can also determine the chemical and from visible light (420 nm – 1,000 nm, VNIR) up to Missione Applicativa), the OHB Group has already physical properties of the objects within the land- short-wave infrared (900 nm to 2,450 nm, SWIR). put its first hyperspectral satellite into space. ASI scape using hyperspectral sensors. This makes it In effect, this means imaging Earth in more than (Agenzia Spaziale Italiana), the Italian space a great asset within the fields of environmental 200 different “colours” with a ground resolution of agency, contracted OHB Italia to build the Earth monitoring, resource management, identification 30 m. As part of the programme, various scientists observation satellite. It observes Earth and col- and classification of plants, protection against will study the spectral fingerprints of diverse ma- lects data for monitoring and predicting environ- environmental pollution and so on. It also has terials and molecules in order to obtain detailed mental changes on our planet. Indeed, climate potential for other applications, such as national information about the urban and rural areas, seas change and the efficient and sustainable use of security. Roberto Aceti, CEO of OHB Italia said, and other surfaces it captures. Earth’s resources are among humankind’s core “The PRISMA mission affirms OHB Italia’s exper- challenges. PRISMA is playing a key role in mastering tise as a systems integrator. Thanks to this mis- The images of the highly advanced EnMap sensor these challenges and, to that end, is equipped sion, OHB has acquired skills which are unique in will permit a wide array of individual data analyses with innovative electro-optical instrumentation Europe and will allow it to develop further pro- in different fields, such as the phenomena and im- which combines a hyperspectral sensor with a jects in the future and give the average person on pact of , the availability and quality medium-resolution panchromatic camera. Its the street a better understanding of the benefits of water, global changes in land use, availability of sensors capture the entire spectrum of visible of space flight.” natural resources, biodiversity and stability of the light (approx. 400 nm violet – approx. 700 nm red). ecosystem as well as natural disasters and risk The advantage of this combination – in addition to assessments. traditional Earth observation; that is, identifying the geographical features of a landscape – is that EnMAP will advance satellite hyperspectral Earth observation and produce unique measurements to quantify Earth’s most important scientific parameters, with huge potential for a variety of future commercial applications.

“Never before have there been measurements from space with the accuracy of EnMAP. There are only two projects in the world for which hyper- spectral satellites of this complexity are being de- veloped and built – and OHB is involved in both projects,” said Marco Fuchs, CEO of OHB SE.

EnMAP (Environmental Mapping and Analysis Program) is a German hyperspectral satellite mission for Earth observation by DLR’s Space Management. OHB is realising the innovative and sophisticated instrument as well as the satellite platform. 20 // Earth Observation Earth Observation // 21

Small but powerful! Everybody’s talking about the LuxSpace develops new microsatellite platform in Triton-X weather! And so are we!

Luxembourg Space Agency (LSA) and the European OHB to supply MTG, a new, third generation Space Agency (ESA). The development is being exe- of Meteosat weather satellites cuted in the scope of ESA’s ARTES programme for Advanced Research in the field of Telecommuni- cations Systems. “With Triton-X, we are currently developing a new modular platform for small satellites. This modularity enables us to tailor Triton-X to meet the individual needs of our cus- tomers. At the same time, the platform can be employed for a variety of missions such as Earth observation missions and telecommunications missions. The platform is suitable for missions in low Earth with one or more instruments. The small satellite segment has always been Triton-X: the modular With the microsatellite platform Triton-X, LuxSpace LuxSpace’s strength and we are continuing along microsatellites enable is opening up new perspectives in the “New this path. Triton-X is the ideal addition to the affordable regional and Space” segment for the OHB Group and the global OHB Group’s portfolio. We are now also handling global LEO constellations. satellite market. Triton-X is designed to enable the class of satellites with a mass of up to 150 kg,” affordable regional and global LEO () said Lutz Haumann, Triton-X Project Manager at constellations. It is being largely funded by the LuxSpace.

Milestone for EAGLET constellation OHB Italia sends prototypes of innovative In order to maintain and develop Europe’s leading Four of these MTG-I satellites will capture signifi- In order to maintain and nanosatellites into orbit weather forecasting capabilities, the European cantly improved images using their main instru- further develop Europe’s leading weather fore- Meteorological Satellite Organisation (EUMETSAT) ment (“imager”). The other two MTG-S satellites casting capabilities, the With EAGLET, OHB Italia develops a constellation With EAGLET, OHB Italia is is currently commissioning a new third-generation carry a new type of high-resolution spectrometer European Agency of highly innovative, rapidly deployable and cost- supplying a constellation Meteosat weather satellite (Meteosat Third (“sounder”), which will be used to track the EUMETSAT is currently effective satellites that deliver optical and AIS of highly innovative, rapidly Generation, MTG). The development of the systems three-dimensional movement of water vapour procuring the third deployable and cost-effec- (Automatic Information System) data from a giv- is being led by the European Space Agency (ESA), and other gases in the atmosphere. generation of Meteosat tive satellites providing weather satellites. en point above the Earth with a very short revisit optical and AIS data. with the total of six satellites to be launched one time. The aim is to enable a wide range of Earth after the other from 2021 onwards. OHB System is responsible for the development of monitoring and security applications. The proto- all six satellite platforms and for the development type of the nanosat for Earth observation and The industrial consortium for the development of and manufacture of the sounder satellites. maritime surveillance, the EAGLET 1 satellite, the MTG programme is being led by the French has already been orbiting the Earth since the end company Thales Alenia Space with OHB System In addition to its activities at system level, OHB of 2018. It was successfully launched from AG as its partner. Once the MTG satellites are op- System is working on the instruments for MTG at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California on-board erational in their , their new the “Optics & Science Space Center”. The Company a launcher. EAGLET 1 was placed in a and enhanced capabilities will allow much more is overseeing the entire development of the infra- sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude of 575 kilo- accurate weather forecasts. For example, storms red sounder, the highly sophisticated imaging metres carrying two payloads: a high-resolution, EAGLET 1 is the in-orbit validation of a nanosat with heavy precipitation can be predicted earlier spectrometer, which is the main instrument fitted optical payload capturing panchromatic images developed in accordance with an industrial ap- and more accurately, air traffic can be planned to the two sounder satellites. with 5-metre panchromatic resolution using a proach for reliability and performance. The launch more efficiently and cost-effectively and farmers 300-millimetre focal length telescope with an marked an important milestone in the deploy- can determine the optimal time for harvesting 85-millimetre aperture and a payload capable of ment of the EAGLET constellation. The total mass precisely. In addition, the measurements taken by receiving and transmitting AIS signals to Earth. is less than 5 kilograms. The satellite has a pre- the MTG satellites will improve our understanding AIS signals are transmitted worldwide by ships and cise attitude control system based on Earth, Sun of the Earth’s climate system, something from are used to monitor maritime traffic on the seas. and tracking and GPS sensors. which not only Europe will benefit. 22 // Klima & Wetter Climate & Weather // 23

Radar image of ALREADY IN ORBIT: the ice-free SENTINEL-1 TO SENTINEL-3 Bering Strait in The two Sentinel-1 satellites carry modern radar March 2019, instruments (synthetic aperture radar, SAR), taken by which make it possible to take high-quality pic- Sentinel-1 tures of the Earth’s surface even in dense clouds and at night. The satellites are in the same orbit but offset by 180° and the entire Earth every six days. The data collected provides information about the distribution of sea ice, changes to land- scapes due to human influence and the extent of natural disasters such as floods and earthquakes.

The Sentinel-2 constellation is equipped with 1 high-resolution multispectral sensors that can record strips of land with a width of 290 kilo- Effects of the metres. The two satellites in the constellation are dry summer of identical in design and also move in the same or- 2018, recorded by Sentinel-2. bit around the Earth with an offset of 180°. Orbit- ing close to the equator, they monitor all land masses, large islands and coastal waters every five days; at higher latitudes, the revisiting time is even shorter. The data which the satellites record provide information on the composition of the Earth’s surface and vegetation, which are primarily used for agriculture and forestry. OHB is playing a key role in the develop- The Sentinel-3 mission is the most complex 2 ment of the instrument for the Sentinel 4 project in the Copernicus programme to date, as mission. It will be accommodated on the the two identical satellites carry four different in- MTG satellites. Cloud formations struments, which, working together, provide a over the Bering comprehensive view of the Earth: Sea, recorded The sea and land surface temperature radiometer with the OLCI of (SLSTR) measures the temperatures of land sur- Sentinel-3. faces and oceans on a daily basis with high accu- racy using the emitted infrared radiation. In addi- Europe’s sentinels in space tion, the instrument includes two channels for thermal infrared radiation, which are used to search actively for fires. The SLSTR has a spatial Copernicus is the EU’s second major space programme after Galileo. The aim is to create an resolution of 1,000 metres on these channels and independent infrastructure that provides high-quality data to answer environmental and 500 metres on the other channels. The width of security-related questions. the strips recorded is 1,420 kilometres.

The ocean and land colour instrument (OLCI) is an Sentinel-1A, the first Copernicus satellite, was launched in 2014 and currently the programme comprises imaging spectrometer with 21 discrete spectral three complete Sentinel constellations of two satellites each plus one single satellite. In total, the channels spanning a wavelength range from 400 Sentinel family comprises six different satellite types, which, in combination with other data sources in to 1,200 nanometers. This section of the electro- 3 the air, on the water and on the ground, provide six application-related core services: magnetic spectrum provides relevant information on marine ecosystems, permits the management addition, wave heights and wind speeds over the of agriculture and forestry by tracking the state of sea can also be determined. The microwave radio- LAND MONITORING soils and vegetation and also atmospheric meter determines the atmospheric correction and aerosols and clouds. The OLCI has a spatial reso- thus enhances the accuracy of the topographic SURVEILLANCE OF THE OCEANS lution of 300 metres for all measurements and measurements. DISASTER AND CRISIS MANAGEMENT records strips with a width of 1,270 kilometres. ATMOSPHERIC MONITORING The two aforementioned instruments are supple- mented by a SAR altimeter and a microwave radio- MONITORING OF CLIMATE CHANGE meter. In addition to topography measurements over land, the altimeter also records the exact SECURITY heights of sea levels, sea ice, rivers and lakes. In 24 // Climate & Weather Climate & Weather // 25

UNDER DEVELOPMENT: The Sentinel-5 instruments will also be installed CRISTAL – Copernicus Polar Ice and Snow Topog- SENTINEL-4 TO SENTINEL-6 on European weather organisation EUMETSAT’s raphy Altimeter: The CRISTAL mission satellites The next Copernicus instruments will be launched weather satellites. The second-generation mete- will determine the thickness of the sea ice and the with the third-generation geostationary sounder orological operational satellites (MetOp-SG) are snow lying on top of it as a basis for planning ac- satellites of the Meteosat weather satellites (MTG) near-Earth polar orbiting satellites designed to tivities in the polar regions and for monitoring cli- currently being built at OHB. Like Sentinel-5, complement the MTG satellites. OHB Italia is de- mate change. For this purpose, they are to carry Sentinel-4 is designed to monitor the Earth’s at- veloping the microwave imager (MWI), which is the multi-frequency radar altimeters and microwave mosphere and provide information on air quality, main instrument for these satellites, a microwave radiometers. ozone levels and solar radiation. OHB is making a radiometer for detecting aerosols in the atmos- significant contribution to the development of phere. The MWI is complemented by the Senti- LSTM – Copernicus Land Surface Temperature the ultraviolet-visible-near-infrared spectrometer nel-5 instrument, a UVN shortwave spectrometer. Monitoring: LSTM is responsible for the thermal (UVN spectrometer) for the Sentinel-4 mission. Pending the launch of Sentinel-5, the gap in data monitoring of land areas. To this end, satellites caused by the failure of in 2012 will be fitted with sensors for thermal infrared radiation closed at least partially by the single Sentinel-5P with high spatial and temporal resolution are to satellite (Sentinel-5 precursor) launched in 2017. be placed in orbit. Measurements of the surface temperature of land masses are important indica- Sentinel-6 is a mission for collecting data on the tors of climate change and facilitate the predic- topography of the oceans. The satellites will be tion of droughts and the management of water carrying high-precision radar altimeters and pro- resources. viding information on changes in sea level as an indicator of climate change. Every 10 days, 95 % ROSE-L – L-band Synthetic Aperture Radar: The of the ice-free oceans are to be mapped for this ROSE-L mission will complement the data gained purpose. from the Sentinel-1 mission. Wherever the short- er wavelength C-band SAR of Sentinel-1 does not ADDITION TO THE COPERNICUS reach the ground due to vegetation, snow or ice, PROGRAMME: SENTINEL EXPANSION the longer wavelength L-band SAR of ROSE-L will Encouraged by the great success of the first step in to fill the gap. It will be used in agriculture Sentinel satellites, the EU is already preparing and forestry and for monitoring climate changes the expansion of the Sentinel family. After ana- LSTM through the observation of the polar ice caps, sea lysing the user requirements that are currently ice and seasonal snow cover. The mission Copernicus Land Surface Temperature Monitoring serves the purposes of not being addressed, six potential missions to thermal observation of land surfaces. complement Copernicus have been identified: The missions have been undergoing more de- tailed planning since mid-2018. OHB System AG CHIME – Copernicus Hyperspectral Imaging Mis- has been selected as the main contractor for the sion: The satellites of the CHIME mission will car- studies on the CHIME, CO M and LSTM missions. ry hyperspectral sensors, perform soil composi- 2 OHB Sweden has been awarded the contract for tion analyses in a continuous spectrum from the CRISTAL mission and OHB Italia is the main visible light to near infrared and complement the payload contractor for CIMR. multispectral data collected by Sentinel-2.

CIMR – Copernicus Imaging : The CIMR mission is a response to the special re- quirements of satellite monitoring in polar regions. The satellites are to be equipped with multi- frequency microwave radiometers, which will de- tect wide strips of the polar regions by means of conical scanning. Among other things, the data 5P collected will provide information about the tem- perature and salinity of the sea surface as well as the concentration of sea ice.

CO2M – Copernicus Anthropogenic Carbon Diox- CIMR Aerosols in the atmosphere ide Monitoring: CO M is to measure the carbon tracked by Sentinel-5P. 2 The Copernicus Imaging Mirowave Radiometer mission is intended, inter alia, to dioxide produced by humans in the atmosphere observe the concentration of ice on the sea. and thus make it possible to identify regions which have particularly high emissions. Observance of agreed climate targets can also be verified. The main instruments required for this are a near- infrared and a short-wave infrared spectrometer. 26 // Safety & Reconnaissance Safety & Reconnaissance // 27

around 600 kilograms on its planned launch in 2022 and is designed for a nominal service life of Absolute perspective at least seven years once it is positioned in a sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude of some 500 kilometres. The high-resolution reconnaissance on all channels satellite was developed for government and mili- tary purposes and can take more than a hundred pictures per day. By collecting satellite data, Reconnaissance programmes help to detect developments anywhere in the world at an early Luxembourg intends to participate more actively stage and to prevent potential crises before they occur. Possible areas of application in - in NATO’s (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) clude disaster management, security applications and humanitarian aid operations. OHB is defence efforts. the Federal Republic of Germany’s leading technology partner in the field of satellite-based reconnaissance.

OHB is realising the SARah satellite-based recon- design phase and construction, to the start-up in naissance programme on behalf of the German space, control and beyond to end-of-life disposal. armed forces. The radar reconnaissance system Through the development of the SAR-Lupe and SARah comprises a total of three satellites and SARah satellites, OHB has built up outstanding two ground stations. Two of the SARah satellites expertise in the field of radar systems. In addition, are technically based on a development of the re- OHB also offers commercial and institutional flector technology used in the German armed high-resolution Earth observation systems in the forces’ SAR-Lupe system, which has also been optical, electro-optical and hyperspectral ranges. delivered by OHB System AG and reliably used for Possible areas of application include disaster radar reconnaissance since 2007. The third management, security applications and humani- SARah satellite is based on a further develop- tarian aid missions – all applications in which a ment of Airbus Defence and Space’s phased array precise overview is of fundamental importance. radar technology, which has already proven itself in orbit. The general aim is to achieve significant OPTSAT AND NAOS OFFER AN improvements in the performance of the overall (ELECTRO-)OPTICAL VIEW OF radar reconnaissance system. THE EARTH OHB is the Federal Republic of Germany’s leading THROUGH WIND AND , technology partner in the field of satellite-based DAY AND NIGHT: reconnaissance. This position is underlined by the RADAR RECONNAISSANCE order placed at the end of 2017 for a satellite sys- The satellite-based reconnaissance with SARah tem for worldwide electro-optical reconnaissance allows outstandingly clear images in a previously (OptSat). In addition, the OHB subsidiary OHB Italia unattainable quality whatever the weather and is building the high-resolution optical satellite light conditions on the ground. OHB executes SARah NAOS (National Advanced Optical System) for the as an integrated system from the preliminary Luxembourg government. NAOS will weigh 28 // Sicherheit & Aufklärung Diversity // 29 OHB champions diversity

Diversity is a key topic right across the OHB Group, both in terms of the products we offer and the way in which we treat each other. Safe & Secure. Any time. Anywhere. OHB has evolved a broad portfolio comprising sat- gender identity, nationality, ethnic background, ellites of all shapes and sizes and for all orbits, religion, ideology, disability, age or sexual orien- spacecraft for exploration missions, systems for tation. The campaign was initiated by OHB’s equal human , space transport and much opportunities officer Eileen Ehrhardt. “OHB is di- more. The teams collaborating on these exciting verse and multifaceted. So, on the one hand, it and dynamic projects are just as diverse as the was only logical for us to take this stand. On the offering itself: around the world, there are experts other hand, it was overdue and time for us to fo- from more than 40 nations employed in the OHB cus on this strength again. Our diversity drives Group. In order to demonstrate its commitment to our creativity day in, day out. As different as we diversity in the workplace, OHB recently signed are, we are strong, committed teams working to- OHB‘s “Diversity Develop- the Diversity Charter, an employer initiative aimed gether to achieve shared goals. Every single OHB ment & Validity Verifica- at promoting diversity within companies. With this satellite in space is proof in its own right that di- tion“ Team took first place step, our companies are underlining their dedica- versity works at OHB. They illustrate that anything in the internal diversity tion to creating a work environment completely is possible with diversity. Indeed, it was high time photo competition with its “choreography“. Further free of prejudices. All our employees should be to show with the diversity initiative and the signing information on the treated with the same respect and offered the of the charter that this is something of which we programme can be found at same opportunities, no matter what their sex, are very proud.” www.charta-der-vielfalt.de

e. The German armed forces have been able to rely on their own space-based radar reconnaissance system since 2007. Five satel- lites transmit independent data for all areas of operations right around the clock. OHB System AG delivered both the satellite constellation and

the and is now entrusted with the operation of the satellites. This proven partnership is set to continue with the realisation of the successor system SARah. Learn more about Germany’s space RECONNAISSANCE COMMUNICATION NAVIGATION system provider at www.ohb-system.de.

or e roider or he ae dieio. New Arrivals

OHB System: 300 new hires (following almost 6,000 applications and 1,200 interviews) The OHB group Academic in figures OHB Sweden: Share 38 % increase 2,769 1,448 MT Mechatronics: employees in total at OHB System 63.24 %

€ 1 billion 16% Total revenues increase … and still 40 hiring: different nations www.ohb.de/en/career

Long-service anniversaries Average age MT Aerospace: two times 45 years MT-companies: 44 years MT Management Service: three times 45 years Female OHB Sweden: 43 years OHB System: workforce LuxSpace: 42 years seven times 30 years, seven times 25 years, OHB System: 41 years seventeen times 20 years Teleconsult Austria: 37 % Teleconsult Austria: 35 years Antwerp Space: Antwerp Space: 22 % two times 40 years, one time 30 years OHB Sweden: 22 % OHB Italia: two times 30 years OHB Italia: 21.6 % OHB System: 20 % in total, 13.7 % in technical areas

Figures from 2018

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