The first views taken by the High Resolution Geometric (HRG)
instruments aboard the CNES Spot 5 satellite were obtained on Tuesday,
7th May. Initial analysis shows that the quality of the data matches
the expected technical specifications.
The first images received in Toulouse today at 09:27 GMT (11:27 French
local time) were obtained in black and white over the city of Athens
in Greece. Using the new processing facilities installed at Spot
Image, a 2.5 m resolution image was produced using two 5 m resolution
images sampled according to the Supermode technique.
These extracts can be seen on the following websites : www.cnes.fr
and www.spotimage.com
In-orbit commissioning of the new satellite is proceeding as planned.
The other instruments of the payload, High Resolution Stereoscopic
(HRS) and Vegetation, have also been switched on and are working
perfectly. Imaging using the three instruments is continuing, and more
images will be made available during the coming days. The DORIS orbit
determination system is operating with an excellent precision.
An important step has also been accomplished: the first orbital
adjustment to bring Spot 5 towards its final orbit at an altitude of
832 km. The remaining manoeuvres will take plCP3next week.
The Spot 5 satellite has been developed by CNES in cooperation with
Belgium and Sweden, with Astrium as prime contractor. Alcatel Space
has contributed numerous equipment systems and is the prime contractor
for the Vegetation instrument. Spot Image distributes Spot products
throughout the world.
For further information:
Spot Image – Communication
Anne-Marie Bernard
Tel : + 33 (0)5 62 19 40 10
E-mail : Anne-Marie.Bernard@spotimage.fr
CNES – Press service
Eliane Moreaux
Tel : +33 (0)5 61 27 33 44
E-mail : Eliane.Moreaux@cnes.fr
