Constellations: A new paradigm for earth observations

The last decade has seen a significant increase in the number and the capabilities of remote sensing satellites launched by the international community. A relatively new approach is the launching of heterogeneous satellites to form constellations. Constellations provide scientists a capability to acquire science data, not only from specific instruments on a single satellite, but also from instruments on other satellites that fly in close proximity. Constellation design is driven primarily by science requirements. Scientists from each member satellite choose the orbit that enables their science and concurrent observations with the other satellites. Although the satellites are controlled by different organizations around the world, the teams cooperate and coordinate operations to ensure safety. This paper presents the benefits of joining an on-orbit constellation and ideas for the longterm evolution of constellations.