Форум Новости Космонавтики

ЦитироватьAbout Proba-V
 
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/27329.jpg) (http://www.esa.int/images/PROBA-V-04-LR.jpg)
Proba-V
 
 The 'V' in its name stands for Vegetation: Proba-V will fly a reduced-mass version of the Vegetation instrument currently on board the Spot satellites to provide a daily overview of global vegetation growth.
 
 Bearing a different designation from its predecessors, Proba-V is an operational as well as experimental mission, designed to serve an existing user community.

 The aim is to guarantee data continuity for the Vegetation dataset once the current Spot missions end.
 
Proba-V facts and figures

Launch date:   mid-2012
Mass:   160 kg
Orbit:    Sun-synchronised polar orbit, 820 km, with a 10:30 AM local time at the descending node
Instrument:   Newly designed version of the Vegetation instrument flown on the Spot series
Guest technology payloads:   Gallium Nitride amplifier incorporated in communication subsystem; Energetic Particle Telescope and one other payload to be decided at a later stage
Prime contractor:   Qinetiq Space Belgium
Payload developer:   OIP Space Systems
Ground Station:   Satellite's mission control centre in Redu, Belgium complemented by a data reception station to be located in the north of Europe.

ЦитироватьArianespace to launch VNREDSat-1A built by Astrium for Vietnam

Evry, January 4, 2013

Arianespace and Astrium today signed the launch contract for the VNREDSat-1A Earth observation satellite, on behalf of the Vietnamese Academy of Science and Technology. This ceremony was attended by ESA's Director General and by representatives of the Directorate of Launchers.

VNREDSat-1A will be launched during the second quarter of 2013 by the second Vega launcher, VERTA 1, performed by Arianespace at the Guiana Space Center, French Guiana, for the European Space Agency (ESA). The satellite will be carried in the lower position on the Vespa multiple launch structure used for this mission.

Both Astrium and Arianespace were pleased with this contract, which further expands bilateral cooperation between Vietnam and France, as the two countries celebrate the 40th anniversary of their diplomatic relations, established in 1973.

An optical observation satellite, VNREDSat-1A will be injected into sun-synchronous orbit (SSO) at an altitude of 670 km. The 120-kg satellite is being built by Astrium, which will supply to Vietnam the complete satellite system and ground receiving facilities.

Arianespace's family of launch vehicles, Ariane 5, Soyuz and Vega, is perfectly suited to satellites based on Myriade or AstroSat-100 platforms, such as VNREDSat-1A. Arianespace has already launched 12 satellites of this type from the Guiana Space center, seven using Ariane 5 (4 Essaim, 2 Spirale, Parasol), and five using Soyuz (4 Elisa, SSOT). Another satellite using this type of platform is also scheduled for an Arianespace launch.

Commenting on this latest launch contract, the first signed in 2013, Arianespace Chairman and CEO Jean-Yves Le Gall said: "We are especially proud of once again being able to work with Vietnam, following the successful launches of Vinasat-1 and -2 communications satellites. With this contract, the fourth we signed for Vega, Arianespace clearly shows that it can offer customers a launch service perfectly adapted to this type of mission. We would also like to thank Astrium and Vietnam for placing their trust in us. We are very pleased to be working once more with Astrium, after having launched five of their satellites during the last four months of 2012."

ЦитироватьVietnamese satellite booked for second Vega launch
BY STEPHEN CLARK
SPACEFLIGHT NOW
Posted: January 4, 2013

Vietnam's first Earth observation satellite will be launched in April on the second flight of Europe's Vega launcher, Arianespace announced Friday.

The VNREDSat 1A satellite will be paired with the European Space Agency's Proba-V environmental payload for the launch, which will mark the first use of the launcher's Vespa dual-payload adapter.

Arianespace, the company responsible for commercial Vega launch services, signed the contract Friday with EADS Astrium, which is building the satellite for the Vietnamese Academy of Science and Technology.

The Vega rocket successfully completed its first launch in February 2012, delivering a laser ranging satellite and a cache of smaller payloads to orbit.

ESA's Proba-V environmental satellite was assigned last year to the second Vega launch. But Arianespace and ESA, which is managing the mission as a demonstration launch, did not disclose what other satellites would be carried on the second Vega flight.

With the addition of VNREDSat 1A, the April launch mark the first test the rocket's Vespa dual-payload adapter. Proba-V will ride in the upper position of the Vespa adapter, and VNREDSat 1A will sit in the lower position in the structure.

The Vega rocket will launch from the Guiana Space Center, a European-run spaceport in French Guiana.

The 352-pound Proba-V satellite will be released first in the Vega's launch sequence. Proba-V will fly in a sun-synchronous orbit 500 miles above Earth and monitor global vegetation growth.

The Vega's liquid-fueled upper stage will deploy the 264-pound VNREDSat 1A spacecraft in a 416-mile-high sun-synchronous orbit for its mission to collect high-resolution optical imagery.

The April launch is the first of five ESA-sponsored Vega demonstration flights to test the launcher's capabilities, set a operational production cadence, and improve customer service before Vega begins commercial missions.

The Italian-led Vega rocket project, developed at a cost of $1 billion, is aimed at providing small European government payloads an indigenous launcher capability, reducing Europe's reliance on Russian rockets to do the job.

Arianespace will assume commercial operations of the Vega rocket, which will join the Ariane 5 heavy-lift launcher and the Russian Soyuz rocket based at the Guiana Space Center.

ЦитироватьПервый эстонский космический спутник полетит в космос весной

00:1114.01.2013 (обновлено: 00:12 14.01.2013) / 2 / 390
В открытом космосе ESTCube-1 должен выпустить 15-метровый алюминиевый нанопровод — электрический солнечный парус, который может заставить космический аппарат передвигаться, используя поток исходящих от Солнца заряженных частиц.

ТАЛЛИН, 14 янв — РИА Новости, Николай Адашкевич. Работы по изготовлению первого космического спутника завершаются в Эстонии, весной аппарат под названием ESTCube-1 будет запущен из Франции на околоземную орбиту, сообщило в воскресенье Эстонское телевидение.

Мини-спутник разработан и изготовлен эстонскими студентами для испытаний изобретенной в Финляндии технологии солнечного паруса. Согласно проекту ученого из Института метеорологии Финляндии Пекки Яанхунена, с помощью нанопроводов, толщина которых в два-три раза тоньше человеческого волоса, можно заставить космический аппарат передвигаться, используя для этого поток заряженных частиц, исходящих от Солнца.

Свой вклад в разработку спутника внесли около ста студентов и научных сотрудников. Тестирование аппарата будет проходить вплоть до запуска. "Даже маленькая ошибка может вывести аппарат из строя. В целом такие вещи случаются редко, но часть ошибок очень сложно найти", — сказал разработчик электросистемы EstCube-1 Эрик Илбис.

Масса разобранного пока на части эстонского спутника ESTCube-1 составляет чуть более килограмма. В открытом космосе ESTCube-1 должен выпустить 15-метровый алюминиевый нанопровод — электрический солнечный парус, который может заставить космический аппарат передвигаться, используя поток исходящих от Солнца заряженных частиц.

РИА Новости http://ria.ru/science/20130114/917956724.html#13581733329963&message=resize&relto=login&action=removeClass&value=registration#ixzz2Hxa7yEHq

ЦитироватьPetrovich пишет:
 http://www.estcube.eu/en/mission/what-is-estcube-1
 http://www.stena.ee/blog/sostoyalas-prezentatsiya-gotovogo-sputnika-kotoryj-estoniya-zapustit-na-orbitu-foto-i-video

ЦитироватьSalo пишет:
Правая?  ;)

ЦитироватьSalo пишет:
 Цитата Первый эстонский космический спутник полетит в космос весной


Масса разобранного пока на части эстонского спутника ESTCube-1 составляет чуть более килограмма. В открытом космосе ESTCube-1 должен выпустить 15-метровый алюминиевый нанопровод — электрический солнечный парус, который может заставить космический аппарат передвигаться, используя поток исходящих от Солнца заряженных частиц.

РИА Новости http://ria.ru/science/20130114/917956724.html#13581733329963&message=resize&relto=login&action=removeClass&value=registration#ixzz2Hxa7yEHq (http://ria.ru/science/20130114/917956724.html#13581733329963&message=resize&relto=login&action=removeClass&value=registration#ixzz2Hxa7yEHq)

ЦитироватьPetrovich пишет:
 

c http://www.estcube.eu/en/satellite/pl

 http://vimeo.com/57528834


описание идеи http://electric-sailing.fi/

ЦитироватьFirst stage of second Vega ready at Europe's Spaceport
04 February 2013

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/27635.jpg)
P80 VERTA 1 loaded motor case

The first stage of the second Vega rocket, VV02, is now sitting on its launch pad at Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana.

The arrival of 'Assembly A1A', consisting of Interstage 0/1, the P80 solid-propellant motor and its thrust-vectoring system, marks the start of the launch campaign.

Initially shipped empty from Avio's Colleferro premises in Italy, the P80 was loaded with 88 tonnes of propellant in Kourou at the Regulus facilities, and then integrated by Europropulsion with its nozzle and pyrotechnic igniter.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/27636.jpg)
Nozzle integration

Interstage 0/1, thermal protection, electrical harness and the thrust-vector electromechanical system were added in Kourou's Batiment d'Integration Propulseur.

Vega VV02 is the first of the five flights scheduled in ESA's Vega Research and Technology Accompaniment – VERTA – programme, which aims to demonstrate the flexibility of the launch system. At a minimum rate of two launches per year, the programme will allow the smooth introduction of Vega for commercial exploitation.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/27637.jpg)
Electromechanical actuator installation

VV02 will loft Proba-V, the first of four ESA missions, into space. Proba-V carries a reduced version of the Vegetation instrument currently flying on the Spot satellites to provide a daily overview of global vegetation growth.  

This first VERTA flight will also demonstrate Vega's capability to launch multiple payloads. The second payload is the Vietnam Natural Resources, Environment and Disaster Monitoring Satellite (VNREDSAT) built by Astrium for the Vietnamese government.

The Vega team, including industrial colleagues from prime contractors, is now checking the first stage and preparing for the next step: adding the second stage of Europe's small launcher.

Цитироватьjacqmans пишет:

Artist's view of the Proba-V satellite.

The 'V' in its name stands for Vegetation: Proba-V will fly a reduced-mass version of the Vegetation instrument currently on board the Spot satellites to provide a daily overview of global vegetation growth.

Planned to be launched in 2013, ESA's Proba-V mission will perform daily tracking of global vegetation growth. At the same time, the small satellite will also monitor the space environment with a compact radiation instrument.

Proba-V's Energetic Particle Telescope (EPT) will record the charge, energy and angle of incoming charged particles along a wide range of energies across a 50° field-of-view.

The Proba satellites are part of ESA's In-orbit Technology Demonstration Programme: missions dedicated to flying innovative technologies.

ЦитироватьThe light-lift member of Arianespace's launcher family is readied for its second mission

    February 21, 2013 – Vega Flight VV02

    The Spaceport's ZLV launch site in French Guiana is busy with activity as the second Vega undergoes its assembly for a mission scheduled in April.

    Build-up of the smallest member in Arianespace's launcher family marked a new milestone this week when its solid propellant second-stage was integrated atop the first stage, which also uses solid propellant.

    The vertical assembly process for Vega no. 2 is being performed on the ZLV launch pad, protected by a mobile gantry that will be withdrawn prior to the vehicle's liftoff. This complex uses the same site previously employed for missions fr om French Guiana with the cornerstone Ariane 1 and 3 vehicles – having been updated and adapted wh ere needed to meet operational requirements of the new lightweight launcher.

    Vega's upcoming second flight will orbit the Proba-V and VNREDSat-1A satellites, and follows the light-lift vehicle's on-target maiden launch in February 2012 with a payload of nine spacecraft – which served as its qualification mission.

    The Proba-V passenger for Vega's no. 2 launch was produced by prime contractor Qinetiq Space Belgium for the European Space Agency, and will monitor global vegetation growth. With an estimated mass of 160 kg., it is to operate in a Sun-synchronous polar orbit, carrying a newly-designed version of the Vegetation instrument already flown on the Spot series of Earth observation satellites – which also were orbited by Arianespace.

    Vega's VNREDSat-1A co-passenger is an optical observation spacecraft built by Astrium on behalf of the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology. With a mass of approximately 120 kg., it will support the Vietnamese government's initiative to create an infrastructure that enables better monitoring and studies of climate change effects, improves predictions and actions to prevent natural disasters, while also optimizing the management of its natural resources.

    The four-stage Vega was conceived as a capable lightweight launcher, joining Arianespace's medium-lift Soyuz and heavyweight Ariane 5 to provide a complete family of vehicles that meet the company's motto of delivering "any payload, to any orbit...anytime." Developed in a European program led by Italy's ASI space agency and industrial prime contractor ELV SpA., Vega is tailored to orbit small- to medium-sized satellites, including institutional and scientific spacecraft.

    For Vega's April mission, the launch is designated Flight VV02 in Arianespace's numbering system, with the first "V" representing the French word for flight ("vol"), and the second letter referring to Vega. This will be the start of five flights scheduled in the European Space Agency's VERTA (Vega Research and Technology Accompaniment) program, which aims to demonstrate the launch system's flexibility as well as its ability to carry multiple satellite passengers.


    Assembly activity with the no. 2 Vega is highlighted in these images from the Spaceport's ZLV launch site.

    (http://www.arianespace.com/images/missionup-dates/2013/1021-1.jpg)
    The solid propellant second-stage is raised for its installation atop Vega's first stage, which is partially visible in the mobile gantry at the background.

    (http://www.arianespace.com/images/missionup-dates/2013/1021-2.jpg)
    Views from inside the gantry show the second stage as it is moved into position

    (http://www.arianespace.com/images/missionup-dates/2013/1021-3.jpg)
    for integration with the first stage.

ЦитироватьVega receives its upper stage as the next mission's two primary passengers land in French Guiana

March 11, 2013 – Vega Flight VV02

Both primary payloads for Vega's no. 2 flight have arrived at French Guiana, positioning them for integration on the light-lift launcher – which has marked another step in preparation for its mission in April from the Spaceport.

On the launch pad, the basic Vega vehicle has been "topped off" with its upper stage, called the AVUM (Attitude and Vernier Upper Module). This system performs the attitude control and axial thrust functions during the final phases of Vega's mission profile, enabling the payload to be placed into orbit. Unlike the launcher's three lower solid propellant stages, the AVUM uses liquid bipropellant for primary maneuvering, along with cold gas for attitude control.

The AVUM's integration atop Vega was performed inside the ZLV launch site's mobile gantry. This Spaceport facility originally was used for missions of the Ariane 1 and Ariane 3 vehicles, with its mobile gantry, launch pad and infrastructure updated and adapted to meet the operational requirements of Arianespace's new lightweight vehicle.

While Vega is taking shape at the Spaceport, its Proba-V and VNREDSat-1A satellites have touched down in French Guiana aboard a chartered Boeing 747 cargo aircraft that arrived at Félix Eboué Airport near the capital city of Cayenne.

Proba-V will have an estimated mass at launch of 160 kg., and was produced by prime contractor QinetiQ Space Belgium for the European Space Agency. Operating in a Sun-synchronous polar orbit after its deployment by Vega, this satellite will monitor global vegetation growth. The spacecraft carries a newly-designed version of the Vegetation instrument previously flown on the Spot series of Earth observation satellites, which also were orbited by Arianespace.

The VNREDSat-1A co-passenger on Vega is an optical observation spacecraft built by Astrium on behalf of the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, and will have a mass at liftoff of approximately 120 kg. It is to support the Vietnamese government's initiative to create an infrastructure enabling better monitoring and studies of climate change effects, while also improving predictions and actions to prevent natural disasters and optimizing the country's management of its natural resources.

Joining them on the upcoming Vega mission is Estonia's first satellite – the 1.33-kg. ESTCube-1 – being developed by students from Tartu University, the Estonian Aviation Academy, the Tallinn University of Technology and the University of Life Sciences, all working in conjunction with the Finnish Meteorological Institute and the German DLR space center.

ESTCube-1's main mission is to test a novel space propulsion technology based on the electric solar wind sail concept, with this 10 x 10 x 10-cm. mini platform carrying a deployable 10-meter-long tether to be unreeled in orbit and electrically charged.

Vega's mission in April is designated Flight VV02 in Arianespace's numbering system, with the first "V" representing the French word for flight ("vol"), and the second letter referring to Vega. It is one of the flights scheduled in the European Space Agency's VERTA (Vega Research and Technology Accompaniment) program, which aims to demonstrate the Vega launch system's flexibility as well as its ability to carry multiple satellite passengers.

The four-stage Vega is tailored for small- to medium-sized satellites, complementing Arianespace's medium-lift Soyuz and heavyweight Ariane 5 to provide a complete family of vehicles. It was developed in a European Space Agency program led by Italy's ASI space agency and industrial prime contractor ELV SpA.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67120.jpg)
(http://www.arianespace.com/images/missionup-dates/2013/1024-2.jpg)
The Proba-V and VNREDSat-1A satellites are unloaded from a 747 cargo jetliner at Félix Eboué Airport,

(http://www.arianespace.com/images/missionup-dates/2013/1024-3.jpg)
while Vega receives its AVUM upper stage inside the mobile gantry at the Spaceport's ZLV launch site.

ЦитироватьSalo пишет:
 http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2013/1024.asp 

ЦитироватьCube-1 has now arrived in the cleanroom in the Guiana Space Center. It was taken out from the ISIPOD, which went to fit checking with the adapter plate, that will be connected to the Vega rocket. We are in the same huge cleanroom with the whole Vega-2 fairing, but unfortunately we are not legally allowed to make pictures of anything but our own corner (we are still trying to get those pictures, but it will take time). Anyway we saw the fairing and also they explained how it operates.

ЦитироватьToday we connected to the satellite on the table and managed to communicate with it, even remote connections fr om our team members in Estonia worked, so everything is progressing towards the launch as expected. Also the manager of the whole Vega launcher program came to inspect our progress personally in the cleanroom, wh ere we demonstrated our satellite. During the coming days we will do some calibrations and update the software on the satellite.

ЦитироватьSalo пишет:
 http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2013/1024.asp

ЦитироватьVega receives its upper stage as the next mission's two primary passengers land in French Guiana

March 11, 2013 – Vega Flight VV02

Both primary payloads for Vega's no. 2 flight have arrived at French Guiana, positioning them for integration on the light-lift launcher – which has marked another step in preparation for its mission in April from the Spaceport.

On the launch pad, the basic Vega vehicle has been "topped off" with its upper stage, called the AVUM (Attitude and Vernier Upper Module). This system performs the attitude control and axial thrust functions during the final phases of Vega's mission profile, enabling the payload to be placed into orbit. Unlike the launcher's three lower solid propellant stages, the AVUM uses liquid bipropellant for primary maneuvering, along with cold gas for attitude control.

The AVUM's integration atop Vega was performed inside the ZLV launch site's mobile gantry. This Spaceport facility originally was used for missions of the Ariane 1 and Ariane 3 vehicles, with its mobile gantry, launch pad and infrastructure updated and adapted to meet the operational requirements of Arianespace's new lightweight vehicle.

While Vega is taking shape at the Spaceport, its Proba-V and VNREDSat-1A satellites have touched down in French Guiana aboard a chartered Boeing 747 cargo aircraft that arrived at Félix Eboué Airport near the capital city of Cayenne.

Proba-V will have an estimated mass at launch of 160 kg., and was produced by prime contractor QinetiQ Space Belgium for the European Space Agency. Operating in a Sun-synchronous polar orbit after its deployment by Vega, this satellite will monitor global vegetation growth. The spacecraft carries a newly-designed version of the Vegetation instrument previously flown on the Spot series of Earth observation satellites, which also were orbited by Arianespace.

The VNREDSat-1A co-passenger on Vega is an optical observation spacecraft built by Astrium on behalf of the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, and will have a mass at liftoff of approximately 120 kg. It is to support the Vietnamese government's initiative to create an infrastructure enabling better monitoring and studies of climate change effects, while also improving predictions and actions to prevent natural disasters and optimizing the country's management of its natural resources.

Joining them on the upcoming Vega mission is Estonia's first satellite – the 1.33-kg. ESTCube-1 – being developed by students from Tartu University, the Estonian Aviation Academy, the Tallinn University of Technology and the University of Life Sciences, all working in conjunction with the Finnish Meteorological Institute and the German DLR space center.

ESTCube-1's main mission is to test a novel space propulsion technology based on the electric solar wind sail concept, with this 10 x 10 x 10-cm. mini platform carrying a deployable 10-meter-long tether to be unreeled in orbit and electrically charged.

Vega's mission in April is designated Flight VV02 in Arianespace's numbering system, with the first "V" representing the French word for flight ("vol"), and the second letter referring to Vega. It is one of the flights scheduled in the European Space Agency's VERTA (Vega Research and Technology Accompaniment) program, which aims to demonstrate the Vega launch system's flexibility as well as its ability to carry multiple satellite passengers.

The four-stage Vega is tailored for small- to medium-sized satellites, complementing Arianespace's medium-lift Soyuz and heavyweight Ariane 5 to provide a complete family of vehicles. It was developed in a European Space Agency program led by Italy's ASI space agency and industrial prime contractor ELV SpA.

 
 
The Proba-V and VNREDSat-1A satellites are unloaded from a 747 cargo jetliner at Félix Eboué Airport,

 
while Vega receives its AVUM upper stage inside the mobile gantry at the Spaceport's ZLV launch site.

Цитироватьsalto пишет:
А как дела с жидкостной ступенью? Что там Украина поставила?

Цитироватьsalto пишет:
А как дела с жидкостной ступенью? Что там Украина поставила?

ЦитироватьThe two primary payloads for Vega's second launch are readied at the Spaceport

March 14, 2013 – Vega Flight VV02

Payload preparations for the second Vega launch from French Guiana have commenced, with this upcoming mission's two primary satellite passengers – VNREDSat-1A  and Proba-V – now undergoing their initial checkout at the Spaceport.   Vega is the lightweight member of Arianespace's launcher family, which joins its medium-lift Soyuz and heavyweight Ariane 5 vehicles.

These pre-launch activities kicked off this month, following arrival of the two spacecraft in French Guiana. Preparations for VNREDSat-1A began inside the Spaceport's S5A building, while Proba-V was based at the S1B clean room facility.

The VNREDSat-1A co-passenger on Vega will have a mass of approximately 120 kg. at liftoff.  It was built by Astrium on behalf of the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, and will support the Vietnamese government's initiative to create an infrastructure enabling better studies of climate change effects, improving predictions for natural disasters and optimizing the country's natural resource management.

Proba-V was produced by prime contractor QinetiQ Space Belgium for the European Space Agency and will have an estimated launch mass of 160 kg. Carrying a newer version of the Vegetation imaging instrument previously flown on the Spot series of Earth observation satellites – which also were orbited by Arianespace – Proba-V will monitor global vegetation growth.

Estonia's first satellite, the 1.33-kg. ESTCube-1, will be lofted as well on the upcoming Vega mission.  Developed by students from Tartu University, the Estonian Aviation Academy, the Tallinn University of Technology and the University of Life Sciences, this small spacecraft has been evolved in conjunction with the Finnish Meteorological Institute and the German Space Center (DLR).

This upcoming mission – planned for April – is designated Flight VV02, and is one of the flights scheduled in the European Space Agency's VERTA (Vega Research and Technology Accompaniment) program – which aims to demonstrate the Vega launch system's flexibility as well as its ability to carry multiple satellite passengers.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67125.jpg)
Proba-V undergoes its checkout inside the S1B clean room.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67126.jpg)
VNREDSat-1A, which began its processing in the S5A integration hall of the Spaceport's S5 payload preparation building.

ЦитироватьEstonia's student cubesat satellite is ready for the next Vega launch

March 20, 2013 – Vega Flight VV02

The tiny spacecraft passenger for Vega's upcoming Flight VV02 is getting the same "white glove" treatment as the launch's two larger payloads, with Estonia's ESTCube-1 student satellite now mission-ready at the Spaceport in French Guiana.

In the Spaceport's S1B clean room, ESTCube-1 has been integrated in its box-type dispenser – readying the cubesat for integration in the Vega launcher's payload "stack," along with the Proba-V and VNREDSat-1A passengers.

ESTCube-1 is the first Estonian satellite, built by a collaboration of students from Tartu University, Estonian Aviation Academy, Tallinn University of Technology and University of Life Sciences, and was developed in conjunction with the Finnish Meteorological Institute and the German Space Center (DLR).

This spacecraft is 1U-category cubesat – sized at 10x10x10 cm. – which is the smallest of the nanosatellite types typically used for educational purposes and technology-proving applications. Weighing 1.33 kg., its purpose is to test electric solar wind sail technologies, as well as help establish an Estonian infrastructure for future space projects.

Vega Flight VV02 is the second launch for Arianespace's lightweight vehicle and is being conducted in conjunction with the European Space Agency's VERTA (Vega Research and Technology Accompaniment) program.

The VNREDSat-1A primary passenger for this mission will have a mass of approximately 120 kg. at liftoff, and is to support the Vietnamese government's initiative to create an infrastructure enabling better studies of climate change effects, improving predictions for natural disasters and optimizing the country's natural resource management. VNREDSat-1A was built by Astrium on behalf of the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology.

As the Vega flight's other primary passenger, Proba-V is to monitor global vegetation growth, equipped with a newer version of the Vegetation imaging instrument that previously was flown on the Spot series of Earth observation satellites – which also were orbited by Arianespace. The 160-kg. Proba-V spacecraft was produced by prime contractor QinetiQ Space Belgium for the European Space Agency.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67131.jpg)
ESTCube-1 is ins erted in to the cubesat's dispenser during preparations this week at the Spaceport's S1B clean room in French Guiana.

ЦитироватьSatellite's fibre diet: Proba-V hosting fibre optics test26 March 2013

26 March 2013

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/85158.jpg)

Along with its main task of mapping our planet's vegetation, ESA's Proba-V satellite will also serve as a miniature engineering lab in orbit. Less than a cubic metre in volume, Proba-V is hosting five additional technology experiments, including innovative testing of fibre optics for space.

Partnered companies in Norway and Spain beat a tough three-month deadline to complete the Hermod payload – named for a divine messenger in Norse mythology – to test novel multi-line fibre optic cables and high-density connectors.

This will be the first of two fibre optics experiments ESA will fly this year: Hermod's design was modified from one of the hosted payloads aboard Europe's full-sized Alphasat telecom satellite, due for launch this summer.

Down on the ground, optical fibres – light-based signals pulsed along hair-thick lines of glass – have been progressively replacing metal wiring for communications infrastructure, offering practically unlimited bandwidth with decreased weight and increased flexibility.

Satellite designers are interested in their capacity to reduce mission mass – the amount of wiring flown on a typical space mission can run to many kilograms – while also taking advantage of optical fibres' resistance to temperature and radiation.

In addition, optical fibres have no electrical noise to leak, an attribute that led ESA to make the very first mission-critical use of them for its SMOS satellite, launched in November 2009.

This 'Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity' mission detects very faint radio emissions from Earth's ocean and soil surfaces, which would have drowned out by electromagnetic interference from standard wires. Instead it carries more than 500 m of optical fibres.

In addition, the Proba-2 satellite, sharing SMOS's rocket to orbit, demonstrated the potential of optical fibres to serve as onboard temperature and pressure sensors – creating a satellite nervous system.

"SMOS was pioneering in its use of optical fibres, but all the connections had to be made individually, which made for a demanding integration process," explained ESA photonics component engineer Stephan Hernandez, overseeing the Hermod payload.

"The aim is to make the use of optical fibres in space more straightforward and bring down the cable volume needed still further by demonstrating the same kind of high-density link connectors employed by terrestrial industry.

"Guided by space industry input, we already had a project to test these connectors for space applications – then came the opportunity to actually test in orbit on Proba-V."

ESA worked with Norwegian company T&G Elektro and Spanish firm DAS Photonics to meet the strict three-month deadline to fly on Proba-V. To save time, the team adapted systems from the existing Alphasat Environment Monitor (overseen by EFACEC, Portugal), testing optical fibre performance in the geostationary space environment. The team also benefited from the strong support of the Proba-V project team.

ЦитироватьProba-V launch diary part 1

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/85159.jpg)
Proba-V's journey begins
12 March 2013

Karim Mellab, ESA's Proba-V Project Manager, shares his experiences of the launch campaign in Kourou, French Guiana:

Спойлер

Day –1: Wednesday 6 March

Departure of the satellite and associated hardware from QinetiQ Space in Kruibeke, Belgium to Brussels airport for packaging on an aircraft pallet.

Day 0: Thursday 7 March

In parallel with Proba-V's initial team from QinetiQ (Davy Vrancken, Tom Debraekeleer and Bart De Wilde) travelling to Kourou, the satellite travelled from Brussels airport to Paris Orly airport by lorry. The satellite was stored in the Air France warehouse overnight.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/85160.jpg)
Proba-V on pallet ready for flying

Day 1: Friday 8 March

The satellite was loaded in the Air France daily passenger flight at 09:40 CET. The flight took off at 10:58 CET en route to Kourou. The satellite and its associated hardware travelled unattended. The first wave of the ESA team (Michale Francois and me) departed on the same day, aboard the Air Caraibes flight departing at 12:50 CET.

The Air France flight landed at Kourou 9:20 hours later, at 16:15 local time.

The Proba-V auxiliary passenger on the same Vega flight (Vietnamese Earth observation mission VNREDSat) arrived in Kourou the same day at 16:00, travelling with an Air France charter cargo.

Offloading of Proba-V from the aircraft proved a very smooth process. The satellite container and the two batteries (flight and spare) were loaded in an air-conditioned truck. The convoy escorted by the Gendarmerie started the final trip to the Guiana Space Centre at 19:30 and arrived there at 21:15. One QinetiQ Space team member travelled with the satellite container while a second followed the convoy.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/85161.jpg)
Proba-V arriving in French Guiana

The associated equipment (Ground Segment Equipment, GSE) was also unloaded and loaded on to a dedicated lorry that started immediately travelling to CSG. One QinetiQ team member escorted the ground equipment. All equipment was placed in secure storage inside CSG.

The ESA team arrived at CSG at the same time as the satellite and was present for the offloading of the lorry into the airlock of the S1B EPCU (Ensemble Preparation Charge Utile) payload preparation building. An hour later the airlock was opened and the containers moved inside the cleanroom. The EPCU was then closed and secured for the night. The EPCU will be the new home of the satellite for the next three weeks.

A very long working day that ended only at 00:30.

Day 2: Saturday 9 March

The day started with the daily meeting with CNES and Arianespace and the opening of the EPCU secured area. The day was dedicated to the opening of Proba-V's associated hardware containers, preparation of the integration hall and the set-up of the satellite stand.

At the end of the external part of the satellite container was opened in order to prepare for the satellite opening on Monday.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/85162.jpg)
Unpacked Proba-V and test equipment

Day 3: Sunday 10 March

A day off; so the whole of the Proba-V team on the scene so far went for a walk in the jungle. The OIP Sensor Systems team, developer of the Vegetation Instrument, arrived in French Guiana.

Day 4: Monday 11 March

Daily meeting for preparation of the day's activities. The first activity was the removal of satellite from its container and the positioning on its stand.

In parallel the OIP team prepared the Optical Ground Support Equipment needed for the alignment check of the instrument.

The day continued with the installation and setup of all the GSE, the day finishing at 19:30.

[свернуть]

ЦитироватьProba-V launch diary part 2

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/85163.jpg)
Proba-V Vegetation instrument alignment testing

 22 March 2013

Karim Mellab, ESA's Proba-V Project Manager, shares his experiences of the launch campaign in Kourou, French Guiana

Спойлер

Day 5: Tuesday 12 March

At the same time that Proba-V's electrical ground support equipment (EGSE) and control computer were being installed, the OIP Sensor Systems team finalised the optical alignment setup for testing the Vegetation instrument.

The flight battery was installed on the satellite. Having been fully discharged for transport, it was now fully charged without any problems. Once the charged battery is in place, the satellite itself can be turned on and booted. In support of alignment testing, images were acquired with the Vegetation instrument. The testing was completed ahead of schedule, demonstrating that Vegetation has not deteriorated during its trip fr om Europe.

The latest version of the flight software was also uploaded to Proba-V's onboard computer today. The functional test of the satellite was started, continuing into the following day. Both primary and redundant computers were operated.

The EPCU (Ensemble Preparation Charge Utile) payload preparation building was closed for the day at 19:00.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/85164.jpg)
Proba-V fit check

Day 6: Wednesday 13 March

The normal workday began with daily meetings and the opening of the EPCU. Today was mainly dedicated to checking out all functions of the satellite. A specific check of Vegetation camera behaviour was performed, measuring dark and illuminated images.

Following the success of the alignment check and functional tests of the Vegetation instrument, the multi-layer insulation (MLI) around it has been closed for the final time.

Finally, an inspection of the instrument optics was performed. This marked an important milestone in the readiness of the instrument for flight.

No anomalies were encountered during the functional check and the EPCU was closed around 19:00.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/85165.jpg)
Illumination testing of Proba-V's Vegetation instrument

Day 7: Thursday 14 March

A normal start to the day with the EPCU opening around 08:45.

With Vegetation testing complete, the OIP team packed the theodolite equipment needed for shipment back to Europe.

This day was mostly dedicated to team safety training, in order to allow them to work on the gantry of the mobile launch tower in the presence of the Vega launcher. The spectacular part of this training was a jump fr om second-storey scaffolding down into a security sock. The whole team passed – though some members asked to try again! A full visit to the launch tower was then conducted. The team had the chance to view each stage of the Vega launcher on the launch pad, up to the AVUM fourth stage.

Following the safety training, the team returned to the EPCU to prepare for the first fit check of the interface with the separation system. The fit check was successfully performed with the support of the European Launch Vehicle (ELV) company team and the satellite was then repositioned on its stand.

The day ended with the closure of EPCU at 20:00.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/85166.jpg)
Proba-V team visit the Vega mobile launch tower

Day 8: Friday 15 March

The EPCU was opened at 09:00 after our 'ritual' daily meetings.

Software testing continued, focusing on the satellite's activation sequence and testing possible hardware failure cases.

In parallel, the solar panels that were removed from the satellite upon arrival at Kourou were electrically tested. The collected information was transmitted to specialists at ESTEC to carry out a full analysis. The results are anticipated for the middle of next week, after which the solar panels will be re-integrated.

The satellite was also prepared for the reintegration of the ADS-B technology payload. Developed by the Germany's DLR space agency and provided on an in-kind basis, the goal is to demonstrate air traffic monitoring from space. An anomaly was detected during the functional test in Europe during system testing.

The day concluded around 18:30 with the closure of the EPCU.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/85167.jpg)
Practicing evacuation jump

Day 9: Saturday 16 March

No daily meeting with Arianespace today and the EPCU was opened around 09:15.

Today was dedicated to the reinstallation of ADS-B into the satellite and its full functional test. The DLR team arrived on site around 10:00 and after receiving their security badges were allowed to enter the EPCU.

The ADS-B tests were conducted and the payload was declared good for flight.

The day ended around 18:30 with the closure of the EPCU.

Some team members, not involved with the ADS-B testing, were able to organise a trip down to the border with Suriname that afternoon, wh ere they witnessed the amazing egg laying of the Leatherback sea turtle by night.

Day 10: Sunday 17 March

A day off! The entire team went for a visit to the famous 'Ils du Salut' off Kourou, which served as a penal colony for French prisoners in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Day 11: Monday 18 March

The second week of the launch campaign began early with the opening of the EPCU at 08:00, followed by the daily meeting.

In the integration hall the day was dedicated to continuing the software testing, including ADS-B validation.

The 'Revue d'aptitude au vol' (RAV) or flight readiness review meeting took place by videoconference between the various ESA sites involved, including Kourou.

At the end of the day electrical connectivity between Proba-V and the separation system was achieved.

Day 12: Tuesday 19 March

Early in the day, around 07:00, the satellite was readied to run simulations of orbital data acquisition from the Vegetation instrument. Lasting the whole day, this simulation included the camera's control centre – known as its User Segment. The acquired data were sent to the User Segment to validate the full chain of data acquisition. This test had already been performed in Europe, but was repeated here in Kourou to gain full confidence in the correct behaviour of all elements involved in the Proba-V mission.

The day ended at 19:30 with the final closure of the integration hall.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/85168.jpg)
Proba-V data acquisition simulation

Day 13: Wednesday 20 March

Preparation for the launch took place today with testing on the pad of the electrical connectivity between the launcher and the Proba-V access point for the satellite battery charger. Proba-V's test team was deployed both on top of the mobile gantry and at its base to verify the correct installation of the harness from the top of the Vega launcher to the bunker wh ere activities to babysit the satellite will take place once it is installed in the launcher fairing.

In parallel, software testing continued in the EPCU.

[свернуть]

ЦитироватьGalactic Penguin SST пишет:

It looks like there may be a delay to NET April 29 for this launch....

http://www.forum-conquete-spatiale.fr/t7262p225-nouvelles-du-lanceur-vega (http://www.forum-conquete-spatiale.fr/t7262p225-nouvelles-du-lanceur-vega)

ЦитироватьArianespace receives the second Vega for launch from French Guiana

April 9, 2013 – Vega Flight VV02

The next Vega to be launched from French Guiana has been delivered to Arianespace, bringing the mission campaign into its final phase for a May 2 liftoff at the Spaceport.

The Vega's handover by launch vehicle industrial prime contractor ELV SpA. follows the well-established preparation process flow that has been utilized for years in Arianespace missions – with responsibility now given to Arianespace for payload integration, final launcher checkout, countdown, launch and satellite deployment.

"By using the same mission campaign procedures as proven for our workhorse Ariane, Vega has become a true member of Arianespace's launcher family – joining Ariane 5 and Soyuz in side-by-side operations at the Spaceport," explained Louis Laurent, the Senior Vice President – Programs.

This will be Vega's first mission since the lightweight vehicle's qualification in February 2012.  Demonstrating the launcher's flexibility, its upcoming flight will carry three passengers: the 160-kg. Proba-V spacecraft for the European Space Agency; VNREDSat-1, a 120-kg. satellite for Vietnam; and the 1.3-kg. ESTCube-1 Estonian student nanosatellite.

The May 2 launch configuration places VNREDSat-1 in the lower portion of the payload "stack," positioned inside a dispenser called VESPA.  ESTCube-1 also is included inside VESPA, with its installation on a flat plate interface.    Located atop the VESPA dispenser is Proba-V, which is to be released first during Vega's in-flight deployment sequence.

After its launch by Vega, VNREDSat-1 will support the Vietnamese government's initiative to create an infrastructure enabling better studies of climate change effects, improving predictions for natural disasters and optimizing the country's natural resource management.  The spacecraft was built by Astrium on behalf of the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology.

Proba-V was produced by prime contractor QinetiQ Space Belgium for the European Space Agency and is to monitor global vegetation growth.  The satellite is equipped with a newer version of the Vegetation imaging instrument that previously was flown on the Spot series of Earth observation satellites – which also were orbited by Arianespace.

Vega's upcoming launch is part of multiple missions in the European Space Agency's VERTA (Vega Research and Technology Accompaniment) program, which is to demonstrate the launch system's capabilities in orbiting small- to medium-sized satellites.  Vega was developed in a European program led by Italy's ASI space agency and industrial prime contractor ELV SpA.

The May 2 mission is designated Flight VV02 in Arianespace's numbering system, with the first "V" representing the French word for flight ("vol"), and the second letter referring to Vega.

(http://www.arianespace.com/images/missionup-dates/2013/1028-lg.jpg)
Proba-V is readied to be integrated in the payload "stack" for Vega's second launch from the Spaceport in French Guiana, which also will orbit the VNREDSat-1 and the ESTCube-1 satellites.

ЦитироватьPayload integration is underway for Vega's second mission from the Spaceport

April 12, 2013 – Vega Flight VV02

The multi-satellite payload "stack" for Vega's upcoming flight from French Guiana is now taking shape as the Arianespace-managed integration process advances at the Spaceport.

This activity began in the Spaceport's S5 clean room facility with installation of Estonia's ESTCube-1 student nanosatellite on a flat mounting surface called the P2 Plate – which serves as the lower interface in the Vega's payload stack.  The small cube-shaped satellite and its dispenser were integrated using a bracket that was mounted to the P2 Plate.

The next step was the placement of Vietnam's VNREDSat-1 with its interface adapter on the P2 Plate, joining ESTCube-1.  

Both satellites are located in the payload stack's lower position, and will ride inside a larger dispenser system called VESPA.  Completing the payload arrangement will be installation of the mission's third satellite – Proba-V – which is to ride atop the VESPA dispenser.

Proba-V will have a mass at liftoff of 160-kg., and is to monitor global vegetation growth.  Produced by prime contractor QinetiQ Space Belgium for the European Space Agency, the satellite is equipped with a newer version of the Vegetation imaging instrument that previously operated on the Spot series of Earth observation satellites – which also were orbited by Arianespace.

VNREDSat-1 is to support the Vietnamese government's initiative to create an infrastructure enabling better studies of climate change effects, improving predictions for natural disasters and optimizing the country's natural resource management.  Weighing 120 kg. for liftoff, it was built by Astrium on behalf of the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology.

The 1.3-kg. ESTCube-1 cubesat was designed to test electric solar wind sail technologies, as well as help establish an Estonian infrastructure for future space projects. It was built by a collaboration of students from Tartu University, Estonian Aviation Academy, Tallinn University of Technology and University of Life Sciences – and was developed in conjunction with the Finnish Meteorological Institute and the German Space Center (DLR).

Vega's upcoming mission – designated Flight VV02 in Arianespace's launcher family numbering system – is scheduled for liftoff from the Spaceport on May 2.  This will be the second launch for Arianespace's new lightweight vehicle and is being conducted in conjunction with the European Space Agency's VERTA (Vega Research and Technology Accompaniment) program.

(http://www.arianespace.com/images/missionup-dates/2013/1030-1.jpg)
The ESTCube-1 nanosatellite is shown during installation on the P2 Plate of Vega's payload "stack".

(http://www.arianespace.com/images/missionup-dates/2013/1030-2.jpg)
It subsequently was joined on the P2 Plate by VNREDSat-1 (photo at right), completing the lower component of this upcoming mission's payload arrangement.

ЦитироватьВ Гвианский космический центр доставлена легкая ракета- носитель "Вега", которая будет запущена 2 мая

ПАРИЖ, 10 апреля. (АРМС-ТАСС). В Гвианский космический центр доставлена легкая ракета-носитель "Вега", которая будет запущена 2 мая. После доставки ракеты на космодроме Куру начались операции по ее подготовке к запуску.

Как сообщили в компании "Арианспейс", запуск 2 мая будет первым запуском "Веги" с полезной нагрузкой и имеет обозначение VV02. Впервые эта ракета парименялась в квалификационном запуске в феврале 2012 года. В отсеке полезной нагрузки "Веги" будут установлены три космических аппарата: 160-килограммовый спутник Proba-V Европейского космического агентства (ЕКА), 120-килограммовый спутник VNREDSat-1 для Вьетнама и эстонский студенческий наноспутник ESTCube-1 массой 1,3 кг.

Легкая ракета-носитель "Вега" дополнит парк ракет- носителей компании "Арианспейс", которая для выведения космических аппаратов на околоземные орбиты в настоящее время применяет тяжелые ракеты "Ариан-5" и средние ракеты "Союз".

ЦитироватьVega's three-satellite payload is integrated and ready for launch

April 19, 2013 – Vega Flight VV02

The payload "stack" for Vega's second mission from French Guiana has been completed and is ready for installation on the lightweight launch vehicle at the Spaceport.

This milestone completes the integration of all three payloads to be orbited on the May 2 mission, and underscores the capabilities of Arianespace's latest launcher family member to accommodate a variety of satellite passengers.

The payload stack begins with Vietnam's 120-kg. VNREDSat-1 and the 1.3-kg. ESTCube-1 Estonian student nanosatellite, which are positioned inside a dispenser container system called Vespa. Installed atop the Vespa dispenser is Proba-V, a 160-kg. spacecraft for the European Space Agency (ESA).

To complete the integration process, the payload stack was encapsulated inside Vega's payload fairing – readying it for transfer from the S5 preparation facility to the Spaceport's ZLV launch site.

The May 2 flight – which follows Vega's qualification mission in February 2012 – marks the debut of Europe's VERTA (Vega Research and Technology Accompaniment) program – which is to demonstrate the light-lift vehicle's flexibility and versatility. At a planned minimum of two launches annually, this ESA program will allow the smooth transition of Vega into Arianespace's commercial operations.

After its deployment by Vega on the upcoming flight, Proba-V will begin the satellite's mission of mapping land cover and vegetation growth across the Earth every two days. The miniaturized ESA satellite is to provide data for the instrument's worldwide scientific user community and service providers once its in-orbit commissioning is completed.

Proba-V was produced by prime contractor QinetiQ Space Belgium and carries a new, advanced version of the Vegetation instrument – the latest in a series already deployed on France's full-sized Spot-4 and Spot-5 satellites, which have been observing the planet since 1998 after their launches by Arianespace.

The Astrium-built VNREDSat-1 will support the Vietnamese government's initiative to create an infrastructure enabling better studies of climate change effects, improving predictions for natural disasters and optimizing the country's natural resource management. It was built on behalf of the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology.

ESTCube-1 is to test electric solar wind sail technologies and help establish an Estonian infrastructure for future space projects. This satellite was produced in a collaboration of students from Tartu University, Estonian Aviation Academy, Tallinn University of Technology and University of Life Sciences – and developed in conjunction with the Finnish Meteorological Institute and the German Space Center (DLR).

Once in orbit, ESTCube-1 will deploy a small conductive tether which is to be electrically charged to 500 Volts using electron guns contained within the 10 x 10 x 10-cm. cubesat.

Key steps in integrating the Vega payload "stack" are shown in these photos.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/85546.jpg)
The P2 Plate – on which VNREDSat-1 is mounted along with ESTCube-1 – is lowered into the Vespa dispenser.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/85547.jpg)
Vespa's top-off with its cover

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/310049.jpg)
was followed by the placement of Proba-V atop the dispenser, readying the stack for encapsulation in Vega's payload fairing – visible in the background.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/85548.jpg)
The integrated payload stack is readied for its transfer from the Spaceport's S5 preparation facility to the ZLV launch site for Vega.

ЦитироватьProba-V carrying radiation detector from CERN to space
22 April 2013

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/27953.jpg)
SATRAM payload aboard Proba-V

As ESA's Proba-V minisatellite monitors terrestrial vegetation, it will also survey the space surrounding itself. A new detector chip based on technology first developed for CERN's Large Hadron Collider is carried on the satellite's exterior to measure space radiation.

Less than a cubic metre in volume, Proba-V is hosting five additional technology experiments along with its main vegetation-monitoring payload. These include two radiation instruments to sample the charged particles the minisatellite will encounter across its orbit.

The larger of the pair is the wide-view Energetic Particle Telescope built by a consortium led by QinetiQ Space in Belgium, the satellite's prime contractor.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/27954.jpg)
EPT

In addition, a smaller instrument based on a 'Timepix' chip complements the main radiation detector.

"The flight on Proba-V will be the first time this chip is exposed to outer space," says Zdeněk Kozáček of the Czech Research Centre (CSRC), prime contractor for the SATRAM (Space Application of Timepix-based Radiation Monitor) payload.

Timepix uses a 256 x 256-pixel silicon sensor. The pixels – each about 55 micrometres square, around half the thickness of an average human hair – incorporate individual signal electronics, making them sensitive to individual quanta of ionising radiation.
CERN's Large Hadron Collider

The chip's origin goes back to deep underneath the Swiss–French border: CERN needed a detector with sufficient sensitivity and dynamic range to gather snapshots of what would be coming from the Large Hadron Collider when it became operational.

"Having developed this technology, the Medipix collaboration was established to expand its usage outside the high energy physics field," explains  Zdenek Vykydal of the Institute of Experimental and Applied Physics of the Czech Technical University of Prague (IEAP CTU), partnering with CSRC for SATRAM.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/27955.jpg)
Proba-V

"The starting point was to apply it to X-ray radiography, but this state-of-the-art detector has turned out to be so powerful and flexible, the range of applications is really large.

"It's been used for everything from composite materials testing to imaging insect bodies, from neutron tomography to examining antique paintings."

A prominent member of the Medipix consortium, IEAP CTU has previously developed read-out interfaces, data acquisition and processing software for the family of chips, as well as advanced calibration methods.

This technology's potential for space was clear, adds Carlos Granja of IEAP CTU: "Precise particle track pattern analysis – like reconstructing a road accident from skid marks – allows identification of the types and energies of charged particles, as well as tracing back their trajectories to provide a sky mapping of their source of origin.

"Working with NASA and the University of Houston, these same chips are already flying in space, serving as highly miniaturised dosimeters for crewmembers of the International Space Station, though these are installed inside pressurised modules rather than outside in open space."

ЦитироватьVega's second Spaceport mission: the launcher is assembled and ready for final checkout

April 23, 2013 – Vega Flight VV02

The lightweight Vega marked its latest step toward a planned May 2 launch as the basic build-up of this latest member in Arianespace's launcher family is now complete in French Guiana following the integration of a three-satellite payload.

The vehicle's "upper composite" – consisting of the mission's Proba-V, VNREDSat-1 and ESTCube-1 satellite passengers inside their protective payload fairing – was installed atop Vega at the Spaceport's ZLV launch site during the weekend.

This activity occurred inside the protective mobile gantry at the ZLV facility, which then was partially rolled back to allow for radio frequency tests with Vega in its launch configuration.

The Proba-V passenger on Vega's upcoming mission is a 160-kg. spacecraft for the European Space Agency, designed to map land cover and vegetation growth across the Earth every two days.  It was produced by prime contractor QinetiQ Space Belgium and carries a new, advanced version of the Vegetation instrument.

Vietnam's 120-kg. VNREDSat-1 optical satellite will support the country's initiative to create an infrastructure that enables better studies of climate change effects, improving predictions for natural disasters and optimizing the country's natural resource management.  It was built by Astrium on behalf of the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology.

Completing the payload is Estonia's ESTCube-1student nanosatellite, which will test electric solar wind sail technologies and help establish an Estonian infrastructure for future space projects. The 1.3-kg. cubesat was produced in a collaboration of students from the Estonian Aviation Academy, Tallinn University of Technology, Tartu University and the University of Life Sciences – and developed in conjunction with the Finnish Meteorological Institute and the German Space Center (DLR).

The May 2 Vega flight – designated VV02 in Arianespace's mission numbering system – marks the debut of the Europe Space Agency's VERTA (Vega Research and Technology Accompaniment) program to demonstrate the light-lift vehicle's flexibility and versatility. It follows Vega's qualification mission, performed from the Spaceport in February 2012.

Tailored for the orbiting of small- to medium-sized satellites, Vega was developed in a European Space Agency program led by Italy's ASI space agency and industrial prime contractor ELV SpA.  Vega joins the two other members of Arianespace's vehicle family: its medium-lift Soyuz and heavyweight Ariane 5.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67201.jpg)
The "upper composite" of Vega's three satellite passengers – encapsulated by the protective payload fairing – is lowered into position atop the lightweight launcher inside the ZLV launch facility's mobile gantry.

ЦитироватьArianespace VV02 – Proba-V, VNREDSat-1 and ESTCube-1: Launch postponed by 24 hours

Evry, April 25, 2013

To carry out additional checks on the mobile gantry system used on the Vega launch complex (SLV), the European Space Agency (ESA) and Arianespace have decided to postpone the Vega launch VV02 for 24 hours. It was originally scheduled for the night of May 2 to 3.

Liftoff is scheduled for the night of May 3 to 4, 2013, at exactly:

 11:06:31 pm (local time in French Guiana, on May 3, 2013)
 10:06:31 pm (Washington, DC)
 02:06:31        (UTC) on May 4, 2013
 4:06:31 am   (Paris)
 9:06:31 am   (Hanoi)

ЦитироватьArianespace's launcher cadence continues with four missions being prepared for Ariane 5, Soyuz and Vega

April 26, 2013 – Arianespace Flights VA214, VA213, VS05 and VV02
...
Completing the parallel launch activity are preparations for the second lightweight Vega mission from the Spaceport's SLV launch site. To orbit a three-satellite payload of the Proba-V, VNREDSat-1 and ESTCube-1 spacecraft, Flight VV02 is set for May 3.  Its ESTCube-1 passenger weighs 1.3 kg. – making it one of the smallest satellites to be orbited by Arianespace.

ЦитироватьVega is readied for its May 3 liftoff with a three-satellite international payload

May 1, 2013 – Vega Flight VV02

The second Vega mission from French Guiana has entered its final preparation phase as the lightweight launcher is readied for a nighttime liftoff on May 3 with a trio of satellites as its payload.

Activity at the Spaceport's SLV launch site during recent days included completion of fueling for Vega's AVUM bipropellant upper stage, which will inject the flight's Proba-V, VNREDSat-1 and ESTCube-1 payloads into their respective orbits.

This mission's launch on Friday is set for a precise moment: 11:06:31 p.m., local time at the Spaceport, for a flight lasting 2 hours, 48 seconds from liftoff to separation of the final spacecraft in its payload "stack."

The flight profile calls for Proba-V – the upper payload – to be released from its position atop Vega's VESPA (Vega Secondary Payload Adapter) dispenser system at 55 minutes and 27 seconds after liftoff.  It will be followed by VNREDSat-1 and ESTCube-1, both of which are riding inside the VESPA dispenser.

During the mission, the initial powered phase will be performed by the Vega's three solid propellant stages (designated the P80, Zefiro-23 and Zefiro-9), lasting 6 minutes and 19 seconds.  The AVUM upper stage will be ignited for four separate burns for the payload deployment sequence, followed by a final burn that deorbits the upper stage to ensure that it does not remain as a debris threat.

Vega will release its satellites into Sun-synchronous orbits.  Proba-V is to be injected at an altitude of 820 km., while VNREDSat-1 and ESTCube-1 are intended for separations at 665 km. orbital altitudes.

Proba-V (which is named from the acronym: Project for On-Board Autonomy and Vegetation) is part of the Proba spacecraft series developed by the European Space Agency (ESA) in supporting the development of new space technologies.  Its primary objective is to continue the mission performed by the Vegetation instruments carried on Spot 4 and 5 satellites – which also were launched by Arianespace.

Built by QinetiQ Space Belgium, the Proba-V platform weighs 140 kg. and will be placed into the same orbit as the Spot remote-sensing satellites.

The VNREDSat-1 optical satellite is part of Vietnam's initiative to create an infrastructure enabling better studies of climate change effects, improving predictions for natural disasters and optimizing the country's natural resource management.  This 120-kg. spacecraft was built by Astrium on behalf of the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST).

ESTCube-1 is Estonia's first satellite, designed and built by a team of students at the country's National University of Tartu, under supervision of the Estonian Space Office.  The project involved a collaboration of students from the Estonian Aviation Academy, Tallinn University of Technology and the University of Life Sciences – and was developed in conjunction with the Finnish Meteorological Institute and the German Space Center (DLR). In addition to extending a small conductive tether for testing of electric solar wind sail technologies, the 1.33-kg. cubesat will help establish an Estonian infrastructure for future space projects.

Vega is tailored for launching 1,500-kg.-class payloads to a reference altitude of 700 km., providing Arianespace with a light-lift vehicle capable of accommodating scientific and governmental satellites, as well as commercial payloads.  It was developed in an ESA program financed by Italy, France, Germany, Spain, Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Sweden.

The Vega launcher's design authority and prime contractor is Italy's ELV company – a joint venture of Avio and the Italian Space Agency.  Arianespace handles launch operations, with Vega completing its launcher family, joining the medium-lift Soyuz and heavyweight Ariane 5 in side-by-side operations at the Spaceport.

Vega's launch on May 3 is designated VV02 in Arianespace's mission numbering system, and represents the debut of ESA's VERTA (Vega Research and Technology Accompaniment) program, which will demonstrate the light-lift vehicle's flexibility and versatility.   The first Vega flight was performed from the Spaceport in February 2012, and served as the vehicle's qualification mission.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67222.jpg)
With the SLV launch site's mobile service gantry partially withdrawn, the lightweight Vega is shown in its mission-ready configuration.

ЦитироватьReady for liftoff: Vega is authorized for its May 3 flight fr om the Spaceport

May 2, 2013 – Vega Flight VV02

The second Vega mission from French Guiana has been given its "green light" for liftoff tomorrow night, following completion of the launch readiness review earlier today at the Spaceport.

This assessment – held prior to each flight of an Arianespace launcher family member – confirmed that the lightweight vehicle and its multi-passenger payload are flight-ready, along with the Spaceport's infrastructure and the network of downrange tracking stations.

The mission is designated VV02 in Arianespace's numbering system, and it will be performed from the Spaceport's SLV launch site – wh ere the Vega was assembled and now stands in a flight-ready configuration, protected by a mobile gantry that will be withdrawn prior to liftoff.

All is set for a May 3 launch beginning precisely at 11:06:31 p.m., local time at the Spaceport in French Guiana, with the flight lasting 2 hours, 48 seconds from liftoff to separation of the final spacecraft in its payload "stack" – which is composed of the Proba-V, VNREDSat-1 and ESTCube-1 satellites.

Proba-V – produced by prime contractor QinetiQ Space Belgium for the European Space Agency – is to be deployed first in the flight sequence, injected from its position atop Vega's VESPA (Vega Secondary Payload Adapter) dispenser system.

It will be followed by release of the two spacecraft riding inside the VESPA dispenser: VNREDSat-1, which was manufactured by Astrium on behalf of the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST); and the ESTCube-1 cubesat that was built by a collaboration of students from Tartu University, Estonian Aviation Academy, Tallinn University of Technology and University of Life Sciences – and developed in conjunction with the Finnish Meteorological Institute and the German Space Center (DLR).

Tomorrow's Vega launch is part of multiple missions in the European Space Agency's VERTA (Vega Research and Technology Accompaniment) program, which is to demonstrate the launch system's capabilities in orbiting small- to medium-sized satellites. Vega was developed in a European program led by Italy's ASI space agency and industrial prime contractor ELV SpA.

With Vega as a member of Arianespace's launcher family, the company is able to launch payloads of all sizes – operating this lightweight vehicle along with the medium-lift Soyuz and heavyweight Ariane 5 in side-by-side operations from the Spaceport.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/85867.jpg)
The VV02 mission's three satellite passengers are encapsulated in the Vega payload fairing, which is shown in an aerial photo of the Spaceport's SLV launch site (photo at left) and illustrated by the cutaway drawing at right.

ЦитироватьThe weather conditions being unfavourable over the Guiana Space Center in Kourou, the European Space Agency (ESA) and Arianespace have decided to postpone VV02. VV02 will place into orbit the Proba-V, VNREDSat-1 and ESTCube-1 satellites.
Another launch date will be decided depending on the evolution of the weather conditions in Kourou.

ЦитироватьТАЛЛИН, 4 мая — РИА Новости, Николай Адашкевич. Запуск первого эстонского спутника ESTCube-1, который планировалось отправить в космос утром в субботу с космодрома Куру во Французской Гвиане, отложен из-за сильного ветра, предполагается, что он состоится через два дня, сообщило в субботу Эстонское телевидение.
Спутник будет выведен на орбиту новейшей ракетой-носителем Vega Европейского космического агентства (ЕКА). Вместе с эстонским спутником в космос отправятся европейский спутник дистанционного зондирования Proba-V и вьетнамский спутник VNREDSat-1A.
Мини-спутник был разработан и изготовлен эстонскими студентами и преподавателями для испытаний технологии солнечного паруса. По проекту Пекки Яанхунена из Института метеорологии Финляндии, с помощью нанопроводов, в два-три раза тоньше человеческого волоса, можно заставить космический аппарат передвигаться, используя поток исходящих от Солнца заряженных частиц.
В открытом космосе ESTCube-1 должен выпустить 15-метровый алюминиевый нанопровод — электрический солнечный парус

ЦитироватьReader пишет:
 P.S. Попутный вопрос к уважаемому Петровичу, к теме не относится. В эстонском советском приписном удостоверении, в девизе "Meie Nõukogude kodumaa Eest" было еще какое-нибудь слово?
 

ЦитироватьПриписное свидетельство обязаны выдать после прохождения  первоначальной постановки на воинский учет (после прохождения  медкомиссии)

ЦитироватьReader пишет:

ЦитироватьПриписное свидетельство обязаны выдать после прохождения первоначальной постановки на воинский учет (после прохождения медкомиссии)

У нас в группе было 2 человека из Таллина, я почему-то запомнил как: "Meie Nõukogude liis kodumaa Eest". Значит, ошибался - меня этот пустячок лет 25 мучает почему-то, спасибо!
P.S. Кстати, русский говорил, что выражения "За нашу Советскую Родину" он никогда не слышал. А эстонец знал ...

ЦитироватьLanista пишет:
На когда перенесли?

ЦитироватьThe earliest the Vega rocket could take off is Sunday evening, but officials have not set a firm launch date yet, according to an Arianespace spokesperson.
Managers are watching upper level winds over French Guiana, and the pesky conditions are slow to improve. The concern on Friday night's launch attempt was the winds would blow debris over populated areas in the event of an accident during flight.

The launch time each day remains the same: 0206:31 GMT (10:06:31 p.m. EDT).

ЦитироватьLooks very likely that the launch is now on Tuesday GMT:
 https://twitter.com/StefanBarensky/status/330916089473163264

ЦитироватьArianespace's Vega Flight VV02 is set for launch tonight from the Spaceport

May 6, 2013 – Vega Flight VV02

Vega's second mission from the Spaceport is scheduled for tonight, with a planned liftoff at exactly 11:06:31 p.m. local time in French Guiana.  Arianespace's lightweight launcher will carry three passengers into orbit: the Proba-V, VNREDSat-1 and ESTCube-1 satellites.

The mission had been rescheduled following a decision by the European Space Agency (ESA) and Arianespace to postpone the launch from May 3 due to high-altitude winds over the Guiana Space Center.

Designated VV02 in Arianespace's numbering system, Vega's second flight will take 2 hours, 48 seconds from liftoff at the Spaceport's SLV launch facility to the deployment of ESTCube-1 – the final spacecraft in its payload "stack."

Proba-V will be deployed first in the flight sequence – 55 minutes and 27 seconds after liftoff. Built for ESA by QinetiQ Space Belgium and weighing 140 kg., the satellite will map land cover and vegetation growth across the Earth every two days and carries an advanced version of the Vegetation instrument.

Vega will deploy VNREDSat-1 at 1 hour, 57 minutes and 24 seconds after liftoff from the satellite's lower position on the VESPA (Vega Secondary Payload Adapter) dispenser system. The 115-kg. VNREDSat-1 was manufactured by Astrium on behalf of the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST) and will help support the country's creation of an infrastructure to enable better studies of climate change effects, improving prediction for natural disasters, and optimizing natural resource management.

Rounding out the mission is the 1.33-kg cubesat, ESTCube-1, built by a collaboration of Estonian students and developed in conjunction with the Finnish Meteorological Institute and the German Space Center (DLR). Once in orbit, it will test electric solar wind sail technologies.

ЦитироватьЯрослав пишет:
еще бы рокеткам )
кстати - у евпропейцев что - нет "военных" ракет, которые нужно списывать со временем и можно при этом использовать на мирный космос ? а то - цельную новую ракету для такого мелкого груза...

ЦитироватьGeorge пишет:

ЦитироватьЯрослав пишет:
еще бы рокеткам )
кстати - у евпропейцев что - нет "военных" ракет, которые нужно списывать со временем и можно при этом использовать на мирный космос ? а то - цельную новую ракету для такого мелкого груза...

На "Веге" они есть, но итальянцы картинку не показывают. После первого пуска в Интернете были ролики с камер на РН, но потом все были убраны. Напрасно.

ЦитироватьESTCube-1 officially works. We have received and confirmed first radio beacons. Soon there will be a press release about the details.


ESTCube-1 töötab täielikult. Saime kätte ja kinnitasime esimesed raadiomajaka paketid. Pressiteade tuleb varsti.

ЦитироватьLiss пишет:
Раадиомаяка на ESTCube-1 пищит :-)

 http://www.estcube.eu/

ЦитироватьESTCube-1 officially works. We have received and confirmed first radio beacons. Soon there will be a press release about the details.


ESTCube-1 töötab täielikult. Saime kätte ja kinnitasime esimesed raadiomajaka paketid. Pressiteade tuleb varsti.

ЦитироватьPetrovich пишет:
Эстония стала 41-й Космической державой

ЦитироватьТаллин. 1 августа. INTERFAX.RU - Первый эстонский спутник земли ESTCube-1 может столкнуться с обломками российского военного спутника связи.

В пятницу, как только спутник войдет в зону связи, студенты из Эстонии намерены связаться с ним и надеются, что он ответит. Тишина в эфире будет указывать на космическую катастрофу, сообщила в четверг эстонская газета Ohtuleht.

По ее данным, с создателями спутника связались военные с базы ВВС в Калифорнии и сообщили, что спутнику угрожает столкновение с обломками российского военного спутника. Они будут находиться на расстоянии 200 метров друг от друга. В космическом масштабе такая небольшая дистанция может быть погрешностью измерения, и не исключено столкновение космических объектов.

Студенческий спутник ESTCube-1 был запущен 7 мая этого года и в настоящее время вращается вокруг Земли на высоте 660 километров со скоростью 7,6 км в секунду. Спутник размером 10x10x10 сантиметров предназначен для исследования возможности создания "космического паруса".

ЦитироватьSOE пишет:
Формально, организация, получающая conjunction warnings от JSpOC, не может далее распространять информацию. содержащуюся в них...

Цитироватьche wi пишет:
 Обломки российского военного спутника угрожают первому эстонскому спутнику

Цитироватьche wi пишет:
Намечаются национальные гуляния по поводу?  :)

ЦитироватьПервый эстонский спутник ESTCube-1, избежавший в пятницу возможного столкновения с одним из обломков российского военного спутника "Космос-2251", теперь может столкнуться с обломком российской ракеты-носителя, сообщил журналистам руководитель проекта ESTCube-1, старший научный сотрудник Тартуской обсерватории и доцент Тартуского университета Март Ноорма.

ЦитироватьАртём Жаров пишет:
Кому-то не нравится этот спутник что ли :D  ?

ЦитироватьESTCube-1 теперь грозит столкновение с обломком российской ракеты

Первый эстонский спутник ESTCube-1, избежавший в пятницу возможного столкновения с одним из обломков российского военного спутника "Космос-2251", теперь может столкнуться с обломком российской ракеты-носителя, сообщил журналистам руководитель проекта ESTCube-1, старший научный сотрудник Тартуской обсерватории и доцент Тартуского университета Март Ноорма.

По его словам, в пятницу утром от американских специалистов пришло сообщение, согласно которому в воскресенье эстонский спутник опасно сблизится с обломком российской ракеты-носителя.

"Теперь это будет обломок российской ракеты-носителя, и он примерно в 30 раз крупнее, чем предыдущий обломок. Хорошая новость заключается в том, что этот мусор примерно в четыре раза дальше от ESTCube, чем был предыдущий, однако полной уверенности никто гарантировать не может", — сказал Ноорма.

Первоначально он и его коллеги считали, что их аппарат попал в облако из нескольких сотен обломков, возникших после столкновения "Космоса-2251" и спутника Iridium-33. Однако по информации американских военных, эстонскому наноспутнику теперь угрожает фрагмент российской ракеты "Зенит-2". Этот носитель был запущен с космодрома Байконур 26 марта 1993 года и вывел на орбиту спутник "Космос-2237" — аппарат радиотехнической разведки класса "Целина-2".

"Как вы все знаете, технологии, которые тестируются на борту ESTCube-1, могут в будущем использоваться для увода космического мусора с орбиты (электрический солнечный парус или "плазменный тормоз"). И это действительно выглядит так, как будто бы злокозненный космический мусор атакует наш спутник, чтобы не дать человечеству возможность избавиться от него", — пишут участники проекта в сообщении на своей странице в Facebook, передает РИА Новости.
К.И.

ЦитироватьZOOR пишет:
И это действительно выглядит так, как будто бы злокозненный космический мусор
атакует наш спутник, чтобы не дать человечеству возможность избавиться от него

ЦитироватьАртём Жаров пишет:
Первый эстонский спутник ESTCube-1, избежавший в пятницу возможного столкновения с одним из обломков российского военного спутника "Космос-2251", теперь может столкнуться с обломком российской ракеты-носителя, сообщил журналистам руководитель проекта ESTCube-1, старший научный сотрудник Тартуской обсерватории и доцент Тартуского университета Март Ноорма.

ЦитироватьИмxотеп пишет:
Как выясняется, на момент запуска у спутника отсутствовала большая часть софта, его дописывали и загружали на борт уже после выведения.

ЦитироватьСпутник дистанционного зондирования Земли (ДЗЗ) "Proba-V" Европейского космического агентства (ЕКА) сделал уже больше 5000 снимков.

Каждый день космический аппарат "Proba-V" отслеживает рост растительности по всему миру на почти 93% покрытия земного шара. То есть, 100% покрытие "Proba-V" выполнит за не полных 2 дня.

Все это возможно благодаря установленному на борту спутника широко-угольной камеры (сканера) "Vegetation", которая ранее успешно использовалась на французских спутниках "Spot-4" и "Spot-5".

"Proba-V" был запущен еще в мае прошлого года, но штатно вошёл в эксплуатацию только в начале декабря.

С пространственным разрешением 333 м, которое в 3 разы лучше чем у "Spot-4" и "Spot-5", спутник "Proba-V" может выполнять "глобальную" сьемку Земли. В этом режиме полоса сьемки равна 2250 км.

Кроме того "Proba-V" может в полосе в 500 км выполнить фотографирование Земли с разрешением около 100 м в видимом и ближнем инфракрасном диапазонах, а также около 200 м в коротковолновом инфракрасном диапазоне.

Кроме того в ЕКА сейчас рассматривается возможность создания сканирующего устройства для будущей миссии "Proba-V", которое в "глобальном" масштабе сможет выполнять сьемку с разрешением в 100 метров. Источник:

ЦитироватьРуководитель проекта ESTCube-1, продекан по учебной работе факультета естествознания и технологии Тартуского университета Марта Ноорма подтвердил, что до настоящего момента миссия успешно выполнила все свои цели, но осталась невыполненной еще одна – раскрытие провода электрического солнечного паруса. Ноорма сказал газете «Postimees», что хотя в начале и надеялись приступить к испытанию в течение пары месяцев, эксперимент до сих пор не начат и сейчас он не обещает каких-либо определенных сроков. Дело в том, что в некотором компоненте кубика возник магнетизм, представляющий сейчас основную проблему, которая препятствует выполнению эксперимента с солнечным парусом и которую в настоящий момент пытается решить команда

Цитировать
salto пишет:

ЦитироватьPetrovich пишет:
Эстония стала 41-й Космической державой

Для такой маленькой страны и это успех!

ЦитироватьЭстония стремится в космос
01.07.2014 14:55

Под руководством Фонда развития предпринимательства Эстонии   (EAS) на следующей неделе начинаются переговоры о  вступлении Эстонии в Европейское космическое агентство (ESA).
 
По словам руководителя сектора инноваций EAS Мадиса Выыраса,  присоединение к ESA - важный шаг для эстонских предприятий и научных учреждений.
 
,,Вступление даст эстонским предприятиям и научным учреждениям  возможность спешно участвовать в проектах ESA, создавать в Эстонии новые рабочие места в сфере высоких технологий и  производить высококачественны товары и услуги, обладающие дополнительной стоимостью и международной конкурентоспособностью," - сказал Выырас, по словам  которого уже 7 лет EAS последовательно проводит работу  по вступлению в  члены агентства, и теперь эти усилия дали свои плоды и привели к переговорам о вступлении.
 
В следующую среду  9 июля министр торговли и предпринимательства Эстонии Анне Сулинг встретится с генеральным директором ESA, чтобы обсудить начало официальных переговоров о вступлении Эстонии  в члены агентства.

ЦитироватьНовая задача для спутника Proba-V
22.04.2020 
(http://novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/upload/iblock/560/000a.png)                   
Европейское космическое агентство поставило новую задачу для своего спутника Proba-V, сообщает пресс-служба организации. Космический аппарат был запущен в 2013 году для мониторинга глобального роста зелёного фонда. Так как теперь эта задача возложена на спутники Sentinel-3, то агентство решило использовать Proba-V для экспериментальных применений, таких как отслеживание условий засухи в Африке. Космический аппарат, рассчитанный на двухлетний полет, остается в хорошем состоянии, сообщает ESA.
А.Ж.