SOVA-S mission – measurement geometry
SOVA-S mission – measurement geometry
The new SOVA-S (Satellite Observation of Waves in the Atmosphere – Scout) Earth observation mission will detect gravity waves globally for the first time from 2030. To achieve this, the small satellite will orbit Earth at an altitude of approximately 600 kilometres in a Sun-synchronous polar orbit, ensuring the entire globe is covered. On board is a high-resolution infrared camera pointing towards the nadir – the point on Earth's surface directly below the satellite. The camera will measure the intensity of airglow and thereby detect gravity waves. Airglow is the natural luminescence of excited hydroxyl (OH) molecules at altitudes of approximately 80 to 100 kilometres.
Credit:
OHBCzechSpace