Development of the Ørsted Satellite Project

The Danish Ørsted satellite will carry four science experiments into an elliptical, polar, low earth orbit. Objectives are to map the Earth’s magnetic field, measure the charged particle environment and collect occultation data. The science data from the 14 month mission will improve geomagnetic models study the auroral phenomena and obtain atmospheric profiles. 75 scientific groups in 17 countries have responded to an announcement of opportunity to analyze the Ørsted data. A triaxial fluxgate magnetometer aligned with a star imager and an Overhauser magnetometer are mounted on an 8 meter long deployable boom. The science payload also includes six charged particle detectors mounted in the satellite body. The extended boom provides gravity-gradient passive altitude control. Active altitude control is maintained using magnetorquer coils. Position is determined by redundant GPS receivers. The satellite body weighs 60 kg and is 680mm X 450mm X 340mm. Modular electronic boxes accommodate all electronics except for the two GPS receivers and the star-imager electronics, which are located in special boxes. The Ørsted satellite will be launched as an auxiliary payload on a Delta II launch vehicle from Vandenberg Air force Base, California, together with the P91-1/Argos satellite in early 1996. The Ørsted control center, science data center and three ground stations form the ground segment.