Proba-3 double satellites set for launch following the last test!
We are tremendously proud that we could contribute to the mission. VZLU developed a front door mechanism on the entrance aperture of the external solar coronagraph lens. The door is designed to protect the optics and electronics from direct sunlight. It carries optical elements to calibrate the attitude sensors while the satellite is in the shadow of a secondary satellite.
Proba-3 is an extremely technically and scientifically ambitious mission. Through exquisite, millimetre-scale, formation flying, its dual satellites will accomplish what was previously a space mission impossible: one platform will cast a precisely held shadow onto the other, in the process blocking out the fiery Sun to observe its ghostly surrounding atmosphere on a prolonged basis.
Proba-3 will now be shipped to India for a planned launch by PSLV-XL launcher on 29 November.
More on Proba-3: ESA – Proba-3 double satellites set for launch following last test
