Reduction of the Response Time of Earth Observation Satellite Constellations Using Inter-Satellite Links

Data quality of Earth observation satellites is often evaluated in terms of short system response time and information age. Acceptable response time and information age can be achieved only by satellite constellations in LEO as they allow observations with high repetition rates. System response time can also be reduced by means of small or micro satellites exclusively dedicated to the commands delivery from a ground station to an imaging satellite or bridging two imaging satellites via inter-satellite links. In this paper a concept based on the use of inter-satellite links for commands delivery is presented. As a flrst feasibility study numerical simulations have been performed for one or more Earth observation satellites serviced by a small satellite constellation in difierent conflgurations.