Abstract: The present invention relates to a step-up converter with a plurality of levels, in particular for use in an implantable medical device, comprising a transformer (11) comprising a single primary winding and a single secondary winding; a primary circuit (6) comprising the single primary winding; and a secondary circuit (7) comprising the single secondary winding and a plurality of step-up levels, each of the step-up levels comprising a first diode (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f) and a second diode (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f) and a first capacitor (9a, 9b, 9c, 9d, 9e, 9f) and a second capacitor (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f), wherein the first capacitors (9a, 9b, 9c, 9d, 9e, 9f) of the plurality of step-up levels are connected in series or in parallel with one another.

Abstract: A method (50) of acquiring images of a terrestrial region Z using a spacecraft (10) in non-geostationary orbit around the Earth (30), the spacecraft includes an observation instrument associated with a ground footprint of length L along the direction of travel, the method includes: a step (51) of observing a portion P1 of the terrestrial region Z, including a step of controlling the attitude of the spacecraft (10) during which the ground footprint is kept stationary during the entirety of the step of observing portion P1, and a step of acquiring an image of portion P1, a step (52) of modifying the pitch attitude of the spacecraft (10) so as to place the ground footprint over a portion P2 of the terrestrial region Z, and a step (53) of observing portion P2 of the terrestrial region.

Abstract: A method (50) of acquiring images of a terrestrial region Z using a spacecraft (10) in non-geostationary orbit around the Earth (30), the spacecraft includes an observation instrument associated with a ground footprint of length L along the direction of travel, the method includes: a step (51) of observing a portion P1 of the terrestrial region Z, including a step of controlling the attitude of the spacecraft (10) during which the ground footprint is kept stationary during the entirety of the step of observing portion P1, and a step of acquiring an image of portion P1, a step (52) of modifying the pitch attitude of the spacecraft (10) so as to place the ground footprint over a portion P2 of the terrestrial region Z, and a step (53) of observing portion P2 of the terrestrial region.

Abstract: A method for acquiring images using a constellation of satellites in non-geosynchronous terrestrial orbit. The satellites include respective devices for inter-satellite communication. An aggregate of work plans intended for various satellites is formed. A ground station transmits the aggregate intended for one satellite. The satellite receiving the aggregate retransmits the aggregate intended for at least one other satellite from the ground station. Each satellite receiving the aggregate from another satellite re-transmits the aggregate intended for at least one other satellite. Each satellite recovers its work plan from the aggregate received.

Abstract: A method for acquiring images using a constellation of satellites in non-geosynchronous terrestrial orbit. The satellites include respective devices for inter-satellite communication. An aggregate of work plans intended for various satellites is formed. A ground station transmits the aggregate intended for one satellite. The satellite receiving the aggregate retransmits the aggregate intended for at least one other satellite from the ground station. Each satellite receiving the aggregate from another satellite re-transmits the aggregate intended for at least one other satellite. Each satellite recovers its work plan from the aggregate received.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for controlling the attitude guidance of a satellite with respect to an orbital reference system including a velocity axis, an orbital axis, and a Nadir axis; the satellite moving in the direction of the velocity axis, the satellite including an optical instrument having an observation axis, a solar generator defining a functional surface having a normal, an attitude control device, and a control unit. The method includes a step (104) of transmitting guidance commands so as to direct the observation axis of the optical instrument towards regions to be imaged or to orient the normal to the functional surface in the direction of the solar radiation. The guidance commands are commands to rotate the satellite about the velocity axis only, the angle of rotation about the orbital axis and Nadir axis within the orbital reference system being kept substantially at zero.