TOM Spacecraft - Nanosats Database

Satellite name	TOM (Telematics earth Observation Mission)
Spacecraft type	CubeSat
Units or mass	1U
Organization	Zentrum für Telematik
Institution	Institute
Entity type	Academic / Education
Nation	Germany
Oneliner	Photogrammetric Ash Cloud Observation by a Formation of three Small Satellites.
Description	Objective is to combine different perspectives of the cameras on-board the 3 spacecraft, oriented towards the same target area, to generate a three-dimensional image. Thus, as sketched in the scenario of a volcano eruption the 3-dimensional distribution of the ash cloud will be detected, allowing by example to advice aircraft to detour passage of a dangerous area. Challenges concern the appropriate orientation of the 3 CubeSats towards the target area for imaging, such that by data fusion via photogrammetric post-processing a 3-dimensional image is generated. This imposes requirements to accuracies of the attitude control system. This mission was implemented together with partners of Bavaria from 5 continents in the Regional Leader’s Summit (RLS) frame, where ground stations from the international partners support data transfer and scientific data evaluation. Here international student cooperation was included, too.
Sources	[1] [2] [3] [4] [5]
Photo sources	[1] [2] [3]
COTS subsystems	THRUSTER - Dawn Aerospace
Subsystems sources	[1]
Keywords	Formation flying, Propulsion

Related Spacecraft

Name	Status	Rocket	Date	Orbit
TOM 1 (Telematics earth Observation Mission)	Operational (Post on LinkedIn)	Falcon 9, (Transporter-17)	2026-07-07	590 km, 97.7 deg
TOM 2 (Telematics earth Observation Mission)	Operational (Post on LinkedIn)	Falcon 9, (Transporter-17)	2026-07-07	590 km, 97.7 deg
TOM 3 (Telematics earth Observation Mission)	Operational (Post on LinkedIn)	Falcon 9, (Transporter-17)	2026-07-07	590 km, 97.7 deg

Last modified: 2026-07-31