# Harmony A

> planned ESA Earth observation satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q134281410](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q134281410)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/harmony-a

## Summary
Harmony A is a planned Earth observation satellite developed by the European Space Agency (ESA). It serves as a component of the broader Harmony mission and is alternatively designated as Earth Explorer 10A or Concordia. The satellite is designed to observe Earth from a Sun-synchronous orbit and is currently in the proposed entity stage.

## Key Facts
- **Operator:** European Space Agency (ESA)
- **Manufacturer:** OHB System AG (serving as the prime contractor)
- **Classification:** Earth observation satellite (proposed entity)
- **Parent Mission:** Part of the "Harmony" mission
- **Orbit:** Sun-synchronous orbit
- **Power System:** Equipped with 2 spacecraft solar arrays
- **Alternate Names:** Earth Explorer 10A, Concordia

## FAQs
### Q: What is Harmony A?
A: Harmony A is a planned Earth observation satellite operated by the European Space Agency (ESA). It is part of the Harmony mission and is also known by the alias Earth Explorer 10A.

### Q: Who is manufacturing the satellite?
A: OHB System AG has been secured as the prime contractor for the build of the satellite, contracted by the European Space Agency.

### Q: What orbit will Harmony A operate in?
A: The satellite is planned to operate in a Sun-synchronous orbit, an orbit often used for Earth observation satellites to maintain consistent lighting conditions.

### Q: Is Harmony A an active satellite?
A: currently, Harmony A is listed as a "proposed entity" and a "planned" satellite, indicating it is in the development or pre-launch phase.

## Why It Matters
Harmony A represents a significant advancement in the European Space Agency's FutureEO program, specifically contributing to the next generation of Earth Explorer missions. As part of the Harmony mission, this satellite plays a critical role in ESA's strategic framework for observing the Earth from orbit. The development underscores the agency's commitment to expanding Earth observation capabilities through sophisticated hardware designed to operate in Sun-synchronous orbit.

The selection of OHB System AG as the prime contractor highlights the industrial collaboration necessary to realize complex space missions. By utilizing a dual solar array configuration and specific orbital parameters, Harmony A is engineered to meet the rigorous demands of modern Earth monitoring. Once operational, it will join the network of artificial satellites specifically designed to provide valuable data on the planet's systems, reinforcing the infrastructure required for environmental analysis and scientific research. Its designation as "Earth Explorer 10A" places it within a prestigious lineage of scientific missions dedicated to advancing our understanding of the Earth.

## Notable For
- Being a core component of the ESA Harmony mission.
- Holding the designation **Earth Explorer 10A**, identifying it as the tenth mission in ESA's Earth Explorer program.
- Being manufactured by **OHB System AG**, a major player in the European space industry.
- Operating in a **Sun-synchronous orbit**, a distinct path optimized for consistent Earth observation.

## Body
### Mission Overview
Harmony A is an Earth observation satellite currently in the planning and development phase. It is categorized as a proposed entity within the European Space Agency's portfolio. The satellite is a specific unit of the larger "Harmony" mission structure. In addition to its primary designation, the entity holds the aliases "Earth Explorer 10A" and "Concordia."

### Development and Manufacturing
The construction and development of Harmony A are overseen by the manufacturer OHB System AG. They have been contracted as the prime contractor for the mission. This contractual agreement was secured to facilitate the build for ESA's Harmony mission, ensuring the satellite meets the technical requirements for space deployment.

### Technical Specifications
As an artificial satellite designed for Earth observation, Harmony A features specific engineering attributes:
- **Power:** The satellite is powered by spacecraft solar arrays. The system includes a quantity of two (2) arrays.
- **Orbit:** Upon deployment, Harmony A is designed to function as a satellite of the Sun, occupying a Sun-synchronous orbit.

### Operator and Governance
The European Space Agency (ESA) serves as the operator for Harmony A. The mission falls under ESA's "Observing the Earth" and "FutureEO" program areas, aimed at enhancing the capacity for satellite-based Earth research.

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/harmony.htm)
2. [Source](https://www.esa.int/Applications/Observing_the_Earth/FutureEO/Contract_secures_build_for_ESA_s_Harmony_mission)