The DEMETER micro satellite launch campaign: A cheap access to space Original Research Article

The CNES micro satellite DEMETER has been successfully launched on June 29th 2004 by a DNEPR launcher, from the Baïkonur Cosmodrome. DEMETER was the main payload among eight co-passengers. Initiated by CNES in 1998, DEMETER is the first model of the MYRIADE micro satellites line of products; its objectives are both scientific and technological; the satellite has now been flying for science for almost one year. The space head module of the launcher has been developed by the Ukrainian company Yuzhnoye, and a complete fit check test campaign has been performed in December 2003 to confirm the compatibility of the payloads with their launcher interfaces. The launch campaign took place at Baïkonur Cosmodrome from the end of May to the end of June 2004, implying a close partnership between the CNES satellite team and the Russian and Ukrainian launcher authorities: DEMETER has been a pioneer not only for the concept itself, but also for being the first satellite of this range (three axis stabilized, including an hydrazine propulsion system and developed by a national space agency) to be launched on a former intercontinental ballistic missile SS18. The launch service was managed by ISC Kosmotras, and it was the first sun synchronous orbit launch for DNEPR. The present paper deals with the details of DEMETER satellite and its launch, and preliminary results.