DISCOVERER is a Horizon 2020 research project and brings 8 leading research institutions together. We want to revolutionize Earth observation by operating satellites at much lower altitudes than usual. Our satellites will be smaller, lighter and cheaper to launch while achieving a better resolution than today’s devices. How is this possible?

Our vision is a radical redesign of Earth observation (EO) satellites for sustained operation at much lower altitudes than the current state of the art. We want to achieve this by using a combination of new aerodynamic materials, aerodynamic control and atmosphere-breathing electric propulsion for drag-compensation. These next generation satellites would be smaller, less massive and less expensive to launch, but would still achieve the same or even better resolution and data products than today’s platforms.

This in turn would reduce the cost of European programmes for maritime surveillance, intelligence and security, precision agriculture and food security, land management and disaster monitoring, as well as giving Europe a world leading role in the development and exploitation of these technological capabilities.

The DISCOVERER project is undertaken by top notch researchers from the following insitutions: University of Manchester (coordinator), Elecnor Deimos Satellite Systems, Gomspace APS, University of Stuttgart, Universitat Politecnica de Catalunya, University College London, Euroconsult and concentris reserach management gmbh (project management).

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 737183. This site reflects only the authors' view and the European Commission is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information it contains.

DISCOVERER project

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