This Echo is READ ONLY !   NO Un-Authorized Messages Please!
 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Paris, 7 April 2003
Information Note
Nx 08-2003

ESA and NASDA complete successful data relay tests between Artemis
and Adeos II

Another successful inter-satellite link achieved with Artemis! After
a world premiere laser link with Spot 4 in November 2001 and a relay
with Envisat last month, Artemis has transmitted data from the
Japanese earth observation satellite Adeos II.

ESA and NASDA, the Japanese space agency, had agreed to cooperate on
a data relay service between ESA’s Artemis geostationary spacecraft
and Nasda’s Adeos II in low earth orbit, using ESA’s ground station
in Redu, Belgium.

In this framework, ESA and NASDA performed a series of tests from 27
to 29 March to demonstrate the system’s performance and the
operational links between the Adeos II team in Tsukuba, Japan, and
the Artemis Mission Control Facility in Redu, Belgium.

Two types of test have been carried out :

- A complete loop was performed as telecommand and telemetry data
were transmitted using the Adeos II high and low gain S-band
antenna.  This test involved generating telecommands in Tsukuba,
transmitting them via terrestrial lines to Redu, uplinking them in
the Ka-band to Artemis and from there in the S-band to Adeos II.  On
the return link the Adeos II telemetry data were relayed via Artemis
and Redu back to Japan. 

 - The second type of tests consisted of transmitting Adeos II image
data in the Ka-band at a rate of 60 Mbps.  The Adeos II Global
Imaging Instrument provides earth observation images at 250m
resolution via this link.

ESA and NASDA concluded that the tests had been successful.  Full
compatibility and interoperability between Artemis and Adeos II had
been demonstrated.  The system is now ready to provide the S- and
Ka-band data relay service.  This capability is expected to extend
the flexibility of earth observation satellite systems.

Prior to these tests ESA and NASDA had performed a series of
experiments independently: NASDA has confirmed the good performance
of data relay links between Adeos II and the Japanese Data Relay
satellite DRTS and ESA had demonstrated the data relay link between
Artemis and Envisat. 

The successful completion of the Artemis/Adeos II tests is a further
demonstration of the excellent cooperation between ESA and NASDA and
augurs well for its continuation.

More information can be obtained from the relevant websites:
For ADEOS II : http://eos.nasda.go.jp/ADEOS2/default_e.htm
For ARTEMIS : http://www.esa.int/artemislaunch/

Specific information can be obtained from:

NASDA
NASDA Public Relations Office 
Tel : +81 3 3438-6107,6108 or 6109 

Mr A. G. BIRD 
ESA/ESTEC
Tel: +31(0)71.565.3200
Fax: +31(0)71.565.4093
e-mail : aneurin.bird{at}esa.int

 - END OF FILE -
==========

@Message posted automagically by IMTHINGS POST 1.30
---