Airbus has been awarded the
CO3D (Constellation Optique 3D) contract by CNES, the French Space
Agency.
Following launch, expected end of
2022, the Airbus-made CO3D constellation, comprising four
identical satellites, will deliver 50cm resolution stereo imagery
across the world on a daily basis.
The data acquired will feed a
cloud-based processing chain operated by Airbus and integrating
CNES’ algorithms, to produce a cutting-edge 3D map of the Earth’s
landmass.
Designed to weigh approximately 300kg, the CO3D
satellites will join Airbus’ fleet of optical and radar
satellites, strengthening the company’s ability to meet the
growing needs of very demanding applications. Together with
the four Pléiades Neo satellites, the CO3D constellation will
offer very high-resolution imagery.
“CO3D is a significant leap forward for global Earth
observation, taking advantage of the latest Airbus innovations
which will revolutionise access to very high-resolution 3D data”
said Jean-Marc Nasr, Head of Space Systems at Airbus. “This
contract confirms Airbus as the trusted partner for CNES and the
French Authorities, and reinforces our leading market position in
Europe and the world.”
Data collected
by the CO3D constellation wil be available for scientific and
defence institutional partners of the programme.
Jean-Yves Le Gall, President of CNES, said,
“The new generation optical satellite constellation CO3D embodies
French ambition and ingenuity and opens a new era for Earth
observation. It will allow a higher refresh rate, improved
performance and better resilience. This partnership between CNES
and Airbus perfectly illustrates French excellence in Earth
observation from space.”
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