Successful launch of the three TOM Small Satellites

Launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, USA, a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket transported the TOMs to space along with six other small satellites from the ZfT and the collaborating startup Smart Small Satellite Systems GmbH (S4). Within a short time, the satellites, each weighing less than 10 kg, reached their orbit at an altitude of about 600 kilometers. About two hours after deployment, the control center in Würzburg received the first signals.

The satellites were conceptualized, designed and built to demonstrate autonomous formation flying and distributed Earth observation capabilities. They will monitor volcanic eruptions which affect daily life on earth in various ways, concerning for example health, harvest or air traffic safety. The satellite data is being transmitted to Earth and analyzed there. To improve coverage and data reception, a network of ground stations is being established, in which international partners from the RLS-Sciences network are participating.