Proba-2

Proba-2
Type:	Earth observation satellite
Country:	Europe
Operator:	ESA
COSPAR-ID :	2009-059B
Mission dates
Dimensions:	130 kg
Size:	0.6 × 0.6 × 0.8 meters
Begin:	November 2, 2009, 01:51 UTC
Starting place:	Plesetsk Cosmodrome
Launcher:	Rockot
Status:	in orbit
Orbit data
Rotation time :	99.2 min
Orbit inclination :	98.3 °
Apogee height :	727 km
Perigee height :	709 km

Proba-2 is a small satellite of the ESA , which according to the concept of Proba-1 ( English. Project for On-Board Autonomy for project for on-board autonomy ) should operate autonomously and inexpensively. The launch of the box-shaped satellite weighing 130 kg and measuring 0.6 × 0.6 × 0.8 meters into a sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude of 700 km took place on November 2, 2009 together with the SMOS satellite on board a Rockot rocket from the Russian Plesetsk spaceport .

Proba-2 is testing new lithium-ion batteries, improved data acquisition and processing, lightweight structural elements based on aluminum and CFRP , improved position control through new reaction wheels in conjunction with GPS receivers and star sensors that are also to be used in the BepiColombo , and resist jets powered by xenon and nitrogen for orbit control. Laser reflectors enable precise position determination from the earth.

Proba-2 examines the solar radiation and the solar wind generated plasma in the magnetosphere of the Earth.

Web links

• ESA: Project page for Proba-2 (English)
• Khrunichev: Общие сведения о проекте Proba-2 (Russian and partly English, with diagrams for the start sequence)

Individual evidence

1. ↑ path data by Chris Peat: Proba 2 - Orbit. In: Heavens Above. June 2, 2012, accessed June 4, 2012 . 
2. ↑ Chris Bergin: SMOS and Proba-2 successful following launch from Plesetsk. nasaspaceflight.com, November 1, 2009, accessed on November 2, 2009 (English, the launch took place on November 2, shortly after midnight, in the USA it was November 1 , so the report apparently appeared before the start).