# EnMAP

> German Earth observation satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q880147](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q880147)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EnMAP)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/enmap

## Summary
EnMAP (Environmental Mapping and Analysis Program) is a German Earth observation satellite specifically designed to observe Earth from orbit. Launched on April 1, 2022, the satellite is operated by the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and was manufactured by OHB System AG. Weighing 980 kilograms, it utilizes the SmartLEO spacecraft bus and was deployed using a SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5 launch vehicle.

## Key Facts
*   **Classification:** EnMAP is an Earth observation satellite.
*   **Launch Date:** April 1, 2022.
*   **Operator:** German Aerospace Center (DLR).
*   **Mass:** 980 kilograms.
*   **Launch Vehicle:** Falcon 9 Block 5.
*   **Launch Site:** Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40.
*   **Manufacturers:** OHB System AG and Kayser-Threde GmbH.
*   **Designed By:** GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences.
*   **Spacecraft Bus:** SmartLEO.
*   **COSPAR ID:** 2022-033C.
*   **SCN:** 52159.

## FAQs
### Q: Who owns and operates the EnMAP satellite?
A: The EnMAP satellite is owned and operated by the German Aerospace Center (DLR), a research center for aerospace, transport, and security based in Cologne, Germany.

### Q: When was EnMAP launched and what vehicle was used?
A: EnMAP was launched on April 1, 2022, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5 orbital launch vehicle from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40.

### Q: Who manufactured the EnMAP satellite?
A: The satellite was manufactured by OHB System AG and Kayser-Threde GmbH. The mission was designed by the GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences.

## Why It Matters
EnMAP represents a significant contribution to global Earth observation capabilities under the management of the German Aerospace Center (DLR). As a dedicated Earth observation satellite, it plays a critical role in collecting data for scientific and research purposes, managed by a ground segment that has been in development since 2009.

The mission highlights international and inter-organizational collaboration, bridging the gap between scientific design by the GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences and industrial manufacturing by OHB System AG. Its deployment via the Falcon 9 Block 5 also underscores the reliance on modern commercial launch infrastructure for European scientific payloads. Weighing nearly a ton and utilizing the specialized SmartLEO bus, EnMAP serves as a key asset for monitoring environmental changes from orbit.

## Notable For
*   **Advanced Platform:** Utilizes the SmartLEO spacecraft bus, a specialized platform for low Earth orbit operations.
*   **Heavy Payload:** With a mass of 980 kg, it is a substantial piece of orbital hardware compared to smaller CubeSats.
*   **Mission Management:** Features a complex ground segment managed by DLR, with project leadership spanning over a decade (2009–2023) under managers like Dr. Tobias Storch.
*   **Launch Configuration:** Launched as part of SpaceX's dedicated rideshare missions on the Falcon 9 Block 5.

## Body

### Mission Overview
EnMAP is an Earth observation satellite developed to observe the planet from orbit. The mission is a flagship project for German aerospace research, managed and operated by the German Aerospace Center (DLR). The scientific design and instrumentation leadership were provided by the GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences.

### Technical Specifications
The satellite has a total mass of 980 kilograms. It is built upon the **SmartLEO** spacecraft bus, which serves as the structural and functional platform for the satellite's instruments.
*   **Manufacturers:** The hardware was constructed by a consortium including **OHB System AG** and **Kayser-Threde GmbH**.
*   **Identifiers:** The satellite is tracked under COSPAR ID **2022-033C** and SATCAT number **52159**.

### Launch and Deployment
EnMAP successfully launched on **April 1, 2022**. The launch took place at **Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40**. The satellite was delivered to orbit using a **Falcon 9 Block 5** vehicle, which is the current operational version of SpaceX's orbital launch rocket.

### Organizational Structure
The mission is deeply integrated into German research infrastructure.
*   **Operator:** The German Aerospace Center (DLR), headquartered in Cologne, Germany, serves as the primary operator. DLR employs approximately 8,000 people across various research sectors.
*   **Ground Segment:** The ground systems required to operate the satellite were managed specifically as the "Ground Segment Project Manager for the EnMAP mission" by Dr. Tobias Storch from 2009 to 2023.

## References

1. [Source](https://spacenews.com/spacex-launches-fourth-dedicated-rideshare-mission/)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/enmap.htm)
4. [Source](https://www.dlr.de/eoc/en/desktopdefault.aspx/tabid-5514/20470_read-47899/)