Proba-2

Proba -2 is a small satellite of ESA, which is to operate autonomously and cost (for project for on-board autonomy Sheet Project for On-Board Autonomy ) according to the concept of Proba. The launch of the 130 kg heavy and 0.6 × 0.6 × 0.8 meter large box-shaped satellite in a sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude of 700 km was carried out on 2 November 2009, together with the SMOS satellite aboard a Rockot rocket from the Russian from Plesetsk spaceport.

Proba -2 is testing new lithium -ion batteries, an improved data acquisition and processing, light structural elements based on aluminum and CFRP, an improved position control by new reaction wheels in conjunction with GPS receivers and star sensors to be used in the BepiColombo, and operated with xenon and nitrogen Resistojets for orbit control. Laser reflectors allow for the accurate position determination of the earth.

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