Smart 2 is a powerful numerical tool dedicated at designing earth observation spatial systems and studying their capacities. The tool covers a large range of space system configurations. The space segment can be defined with different types of orbits (sun-synchronous, earth synchronous…). Users can introduce several satellites per orbit type and can define the accessibility corridors of their instruments (field of view/resolution/incidence angle) and the image spectrum (visible/infra-red). Some constraints such as the solar direct or specular incidence angle can be specified. A ground segment can also be described with the receiving stations (coordinates, minimal elevation angle) and their links with the satellites (TC station/TM station/ TM&TC station).

The system capacities are measured through the on-the-ground coverage and the geometric visibilities. The constellation coverage over a given time period can be immediately visualized, through an interactive cartographic display and a 2D animation.