ENVISAT-1-on its way to hardware

Since ENVISAT-1 programme approval by the European Space Agency in December 1993, mission definition and space system design have progressed significantly. A full set of preliminary design reviews concluded with the PDR at ENVISAT-1 mission and system level have been successfully performed. All critical technological development areas for the instruments have been resolved. Predicted performances based on the detailed design of the instruments are substantially compliant with the specified values. The instrument structure models will be delivered to the Polar Platform programme according to the need dates. Engineering model manufacturing is making good progress. There have been some delays in the technical development of key elements of several instruments, but work around plans are under consideration to ensure that the launch date of December 1998 can be achieved.