Denmark\u27s Second Small Scientific Satellite

Denmark is now planning its second scientific satellite after the first successful mission “Ørsted”. The new satellite has been named Rømer after the Danish astronomer Ole Rømer (1644-1710). The 2 scientific experiments, which will be implemented, are MONS with the primary science objective of observing some 20 nearby, solarlike stars by measuring tiny oscillations in intensity and colour by precision photometry. This is done to probe the stellar interior for determination of its temperature, composition, age and internal rotation, and Ballerina with the primary science objective of tracing and monitoring short “Gamma-Ray Bursts”. The current mass of the combined satellite is estimated to be » 120 kg and the envelope is 60 ´ 60 ´ 80 cm. It is proposed to launch the satellite into a so-called Molniya orbit (» 500 km ´ » 40.000 km, 63.4°) using the Russian Soyuz launch vehicle with the new Fregat upper stage. The launch date is currently foreseen to be late 2003