The Swedish-led Prisma satellite system has successfully passed a critical design review (CDR). The CDR was hosted at Swedish Space Corp. (SSC)’s Engineering Center in Stockholm and included SSC engineers and other experts.

With design approval obtained, final manufacturing of the flight hardware can begin, followed by assembly, integration and testing of the two SSC-developed satellites. The assembly and integration will take place at SSC’s facility beginning this spring; the satellites are expected ready for launch in the autumn of 2008.

Prisma will demonstrate autonomous formation flying and rendezvous as well as new satellite technologies including silicon-based cold gas thrusters and a green propulsion system. The multilateral mission is financed mainly by the Swedish National Space Board but with participation from France, Germany and Denmark.