Lunar Exploration Orbiter
In the context of the Lunar Exploration Orbiter (LEO) program, SpaceTech developed two satellites capable of measuring the Moon’s gravity and magnetic field with an unprecedented accuracy, both in spatial and temporal resolution. The two twin spacecraft were specifically designed for a minimum of one year active measurement life time in the harsh space environment of a very low (50 km) polar lunar orbit.
SpaceTech signed responsible for the coordination and accommodation of the two main scientific payloads,
- the Lunar Precise Range and Range Rate instrument (PRARE-L) allowing the recovery of the gravity field via Ka-band ranging between the two spacecraft flying in 50 km separation and
- the Lunar Magnetometer (LunarMag) accommodated on an extended boom for the precise and undisturbed measurement of the lunar magnetic field.
As a third complementary instrument a modified Coarse Earth & Sun Sensor (CESS) has been accommodated to determine the effects of the radiation environment in the lunar orbit on the spacecraft and its materials.
The LEO mission has executed for the Phases 0 and A under the aegis of the German Aerospace Center DLR as a subcontract to EADS Astrium in Friedrichshafen which signed responsible for the overall LEO mission implementation.