SOVA

The SOVA (Satellite Observation of waVes in the Atmosphere) scientific mission is a successful answer to the Ambitious Projects call of Czech Republic. The main goal is to enhance Czech scientific excellence and to tune up Czech expertise in the realization and operation of satellite missions.

We are proud to take a significant step towards the development of a Czech higher class satellite below 100 kilograms. Our plan is to launch SOVA into space in 2028.

Jakub Ševeček, Mission Project Manager

Higher Czech satellite class

SOVA will be the largest Czech satellite with a weight of approximately 100 kg. It will be larger than the last Czech satellite in the same category, Magion 5, which flew into space in 1996. SOVA will orbit in low orbit at an altitude of about 600 km above the Earth.

What is the benefit of SOVA?

The scientific goal of the SOVA mission is to study processes in the middle and upper atmosphere (60 - 300km) on a global scale, that need to be understood for better climate prediction.

The primary mission objective is to gain an improved understanding of processes in the atmosphere that will lead to more precise climate models that will improve forecast of extreme weather such as heavy rain or storms affecting agriculture, floodings and soil erosion as well as forecasts of turbulences for aviation.

The secondary mission objective is to gain an improved understanding of extreme radiation environments for future manned missions to Moon and Mars.

What will be measured?

The global climate is driven by so called Gravity Waves. These (air) waves transport an immense amount of energy from the lower atmosphere to the upper atmosphere where they break up and travel great distances, just like ocean waves, but on a larger scale. In addition SOVA will measure the radiation field in its orbit.

Atmospheric Gravity Waves over the Indian Ocean. Image credit: J. Descloitres, MODIS, Rapid Response Team, NASA/GSFC

Who is behind SOVA?

The SOVA mission is proudly lead by OHB Czechspace located in Brno, Czech Republic.

The science team is led by the Principal Investigator of the Institute of Atmospheric Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences. The team is supported by the German Space Agency DLR, the Research Centre Jülich from Germany and the Nuclear Physics Institute of the Czech Academy of Sciences.

The main optical instrument is developed OHB Czechspace in cooperation with the Czech company Meopta and OHB System.

SOVA mission is funded through an ESA Contract in the Czech Third Party Framework Project. The view expressed can in no way be taken to reflect the offcicial opinion of the European Space Aggency and the Ministry of Transport of the Czech Republic.

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