ENVISAT

The earth observation mission ENVISAT (Environmental Satellite) of the European Space Agency ESA evolved from the polar platform of the Columbus program. It is so far the largest European satellite in operation and has the goal of monitoring the entire Earth System (lithosphere - hydrosphere - atmosphere - cryosphere - biosphere). ENVISAT is equipped with ten instruments, including three atmosphere sensors. ENVISAT was launched into earth orbit from Kourou with an Ariane 5 rocket on March 1, 2002. Since this time it has successful completed over 35,000 orbits. Originally designed for a mission life of five years, the ENVISAT mission was extended to 2012. The end of the mission was being declared on May 09, 2012.

Tabelle: ENVISAT Mission Parameters

Dimensions	26 m × 10 m × 5 m
Total mass	8.2 t
Payload	2.05 t
Number of instruments	10
Launcher	Ariane 5
Launch	March 1, 2002
End	May 9, 2012

Tabelle: ENVISAT Orbit Parameters

Semi-major axis	7159 km
Orbit altitude (mean)	800 km
Inclination angle	98.55°
Orbital period	100.6 min
Orbit	polar, sun-synchronous
Overflight time	10 am
Orbits per day	14.31
Revisit	35 days