BackForward Satellite Programme: Solar Dynamics Observatory 

Programme details
Programme description
  • Single-satellite programme, addressing solar processes.
  • USA programme: NASA/GSFC responsible of development and operations.
  • The platform is actively stabilised over 3 axes.
  • The design life time is 5 years.
  • The satellite exploits a geosynchronous (not geostationary) low-inclination orbit.
  • See detailed description at http://sdo.gsfc.nasa.gov.
Data circulation
  • Data recovered through the TDRSS at the terminal in White Sands, New Mexico.
  • Distribution to the scientific institutes responsible of the various payloads.
Agencies NASA
Programme lifetime 2010 - 2024
Associated satellites and instruments

Note: red tag => no longer operational , green tag => operational , blue tag => planned