Copernicus: Axon links in orbit again!

Two years after the launch of its sibling, Sentinel-1B has joined its twin-satellite Sentinel-1A in orbit, launching off on 25th April 2016 from Europe’s spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. Both radar satellites are part of the Copernicus system for monitoring the blue planet. Just as with the first satellite of the mission, Axon’ cables are on board Sentinel-1B. Weight saving and high data rate The radar of the satellite is a vital part of the surveillance mission. Axon’ cable assemblies are part of the backplane of the Integrated Central Electronics (ICE) equipment within the radar. The challenge in this case consisted in having several stacked connectors in a very confined area (37 mm high). Axon’ Cable has also supplied high speed data cable assemblies for the Laser Communication Terminal. Views from the sky The mission of Copernicus, the European system for monitoring the earth, previously known as GMES (Global Monitoring for Environment and Security) is to collect data from satellites and sensors located on earth, sea and in the air. Environmental protection, urban zone planning, fish monitoring, civil protection and natural disaster management are just a few examples of the various possible applications. Copernicus is a joint programme of the European Union and the European Space Agency. Sentinel-1 will be followed by 4 further missions. Axon’ is already involved in Sentinels 2 and 3.

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