OTTER

OTTER in the thermal vacuum chamber

The OTTER small satellite mission comprises the planning, integration, testing, launch and operation of a small satellite in cooperation with industrial partners. During these phases, capability gaps in relation to Responsive Space are identified and research areas for increased flexibility, modularity and accelerated development in space processes for the launch, ground and space segments are derived.
A research contribution to improving the maritime situational awareness was chosen as the mission purpose for OTTER, as this is an internationally significant, security-relevant topic and provides a useful example of a need that has to be met in a timely manner. The satellite picks up signals from co-operative vessels and takes optical images of the transmitter source. These data are then compared with each other on ground. The mission makes an experimental contribution to improving maritime situational awareness; it demonstrates the strengths of small satellites in the rapid and cost-efficient realization of reconnaissance capabilities.

The orbital deployment is planned for mid-2024 on the Spectrum microlauncher from Isar Aerospace. The satellite will be deployed in a very low elliptical orbit (Very Low Earth Orbit, VLEO) at around 250 kilometres altitude. In order to increase the mission life of the satellite, two other concepts important to Responsive Space will be demonstrated: Accelerated commissioning of the satellite and on-orbit agility through orbit raising to Low Earth Orbit (LEO). OTTER's operational orbit is a near-polar orbit at an altitude of 400 kilometres.
By including the mission into international cooperation, OTTER will make an important contribution to research into Responsive Space and maritime reconnaissance. To this end, operational concepts for data fusion with other sensor systems and distributed operation are being developed.

OTTER
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OTTER in the position control test stand
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Otter Components
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Participating institutes

Institute for the Protection of Maritime Infrastructures

The Institute focuses on the resilience of maritime infrastructures and maritime safety technologies. It pursues the social mission of protecting critical infrastructures to ensure economic prosperity and stability.

Institute of Technical Physics

The German Aerospace Center (DLR) Institute of Technical Physics develops laser systems for applications in aerospace, as well as in the areas of security and defence.