The CNES Microsatellite Missions under Development in the Frame of the Myriade Line of Product

Abstract

MYRIADE is the name of the CNES (Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales) microsatellite Line of Product which development started in 1998. It was an answer to the scientific, application or technological missions needs, and also the opportunity to promote international cooperation, technical/technological innovation, new management techniques ... MYRIADE has several objectives : provide low mission cost provide short development time provide possibility to launch 2 missions/year provide high performances together with great flexibility The MYRIADE system is a multi-missions system, with a common ground segment and specific flight segment for each mission. Four CNES scientific missions have been decided and are under development, other missions (scientific and applications) being in phase 0 process (at CNES or at industry) . Many of these developments or studies are the opportunity to use or develop new technologies or techniques, or novel management techniques, which are detailed in this paper. As the two first CNES scientific missions are near to be launched (beginning and end 2004), the main system validation and qualification results are now available and presented. Finally, it is shown that the advanced design of MYRIADE is well suited to a great number of missions, and that the new technologies and management methods, together with industrial partnership and cooperation are a good way to awake and grow up a fertile family of microsatellite missions.