The Japetus project focuses on defining a demonstrator for a constellation of Earth observation nanosatellites with high revisit frequency. This involves developing specific software components to enable automated and reactive management of image capture and downloads, as well as an innovative inter-satellite connectivity solution.
In this project, LAAS was involved in designing several algorithms and software components to increase the autonomy and reactivity of the future constellation: distributed mission planning, dynamic management and optimization of communication resources, and onboard scheduling. These efforts are primarily organized within Work-Package 5 (WP5), which addresses issues related to the design of the ground segment.
A first nanosatellite was launched in 2023, with the goal of deploying a constellation of 20 satellites by 2030, achieving observation frequencies as high as every 45 minutes on average—up to a tenfold improvement compared to traditional space systems.
Composition#
- Prométhée
- SAFRAN
- LeanSpace
- LAAS-CNRS