25 July 2011

THOMAS SCHIRMANN of the French aerospace company Astrium visited South Africa and presented seminars on satellite engineering, particularly Earth observation missions, to students and industry specialists at the F’SATI seminar in Cape Town.
Schirmann was Chief Engineer on the celebrated Venus Express science mission (ESA) from the start of the programme to the successful insertion into Venus orbit in 2006.

He is widely experienced in all aspects of space missions and complete systems, and has been working intensively mainly on Earth observation missions in recent years.

He pointed out that the space age has not only introduced revolutionary technology and innovation – the so-called ‘spin-offs’ – but also underlies a revolution in the way planets , and especially our planet Earth – is viewed by scientists nowadays. 

There has been a growing realisation that all planets are dynamic, and that in some cases the changes are far more rapid than was previously realised.  Earth observation missions are vital for environmental scientists, climatologists, planners and policymakers, and in forming public opinion.

One highlight of Schirmanns presentations was a tour of the innovative technology and capabilities of the new CNES ‘Pleiades’ Earth observation satellites, the second of which is to be to be launched next year. These 2 advanced vehicles embody all the developing trends in satellite design, and will provide high-resolution (0,7 m) imaging in visible wavelengths. 2,8 m in multi-spectral, as well as ‘agility’ or the ability to slew at high angular rates to cover specific ground targets with a ‘paint-brush’ scanning technique, over a 20km swath.  They will also provide stereoscopic imaging.  Applications are for forestry, agriculture and cartography, and the capabilities of the system will be shared between civil society requirements and the military.

Commenting on the links being forged between established aerospace industries and the infant space industry in South Africa, Schirmann says, “Astrium is very happy at the signing of this long-term agreement between the company and the French South African Institute of Technology and the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, and I’m personally very happy to share my experience with South African and other African professionals and students.  It must be emphasised that space missions are not just fun or ‘cool’, but are very useful. Apart from the many practical applications, it’s also a way for a country to develop its technology skills and human resources development.”

The Cape Peninsula University of Technology in association with F’SATI offers an international Master’s programme in satellite engineering and applications.

http://www.cput.ac.za/fsati

Thomas Schirmann is not only a top space engineer, but is also a talented jazz pianist, as he demonstrated when entertaining the delegates at a social function.