Instrumentation

One Instrument, Two Vital Signs of the Earth

EDGE’s swath-mapping laser altimeter delivers unprecedented coverage with high accuracy to measure critical regions undergoing rapid change

EDGE is an efficient innovative implementation of mature technology using a proven measurement approach capable of high horizontal (< 3 m) and vertical (< 3 cm, low slope) accuracy.

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Stable and Agile Spacecraft

Maxar is the ideal partner for space-based geodetic remote sensing - the EDGE mission benefits from the capabilities of the Maxar 500 bus as well as Maxar’s experience with precise surface mapping and targeting.

EDGE will fly on the Maxar 500 spacecraft, a mid-size platform based on its WorldView Legion (WVL) line, and EDGE will be operated as part of the WVL constellation." Link to launch.

Telescope

General Dynamics’ 1.2 m Be telescope

Lasers

Fibertek is providing high-efficiency, single-stage lasers

Key Mission Characteristics
Total wet mass

1038 kg (MEV)

Total power

1275 W (MEV)

Daily science data volume

300 GB (MEV)

ORBIT

390 km Sun-synchronous dawn/dusk with seasonal exact repeat

DURATION

2 years

Expendables

5 years

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