Europe’s Proba-3 satellites ace landmark formation-flying test (video)
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Credit: ESA – P. Carril, 2013
A couple of spacecraft showed a superior formation that fly in orbit for the first time, which represents a milestone with great effects on both future science and space missions.
the European Space Agency(ESA) Proba-3 The agency announced on May 8, 150 meters (492 feet) from each other, with a millimeter accuracy statement.
The couple has independently kept its relative site for several hours thanks to a series of sensors, including the lateral sensor laser and longitudinal length (FLLS), a shadow sensor, and the camera -based systems, with software on board and small cold gas payments.
A clarification shows the very elliptical orbit of the Toba-3 box, which was an APOGEE (or the upper part of the orbit) about 60,000 km and 600 km. Coronagraph note based on the composition of an artificial eclipse between satellite as well as active formation experiments that take place toward the Awji, with a negative composition with the satellite circuit near the Earth. | Credit: ESA – P. Carril, 2013
“We are talking about the accuracy of the millions of millions of millions in the side,” Damian Galano, director of the Proba-3 project, said in an ESA statement.
The successful test paves the way for the spacecraft to implement its scientific goal: the use of crime to prohibit it Sun To create the total The solar eclipse And allow Coronagraph to study the sun in this unique case that is seen from time to time only from time to time land.
Scientists aim to use this artificial eclipse to detect a number of puzzles, such as the cause of the sun coronaOr the outer atmosphere, very hot, which accelerates Solar windAnd how the sun floats in space while Coronary mass ejaculation.
But the penetration in showing such wonderful levels of composition may have greater effects on future science and space applications outside the study of the sun. A resolution formation technique can be used to enhance Earth monitoring, anchoring spacecraft, using crime and observatory to search for it External planetsAnd the area Gravity a statement.
A planning drawing of Europe in Europe from the satellite channels that form its formation. | Credit: Esa-F. Zono
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– The Proba-3 mission in Europe will create a “artificial eclipse” to study Sun Corona
It was the PROBA-3 spacecraft Firing By the Indian PSLV missile in December to a very oval orbit, which takes it approximately 373 miles (600 km) to the ground and far up to 37612 miles (60,530 km). The pair is formed while moving about the farthest point from the ground, when the effects of the gravity of the earth are smaller, which means that the formation of composition can be maintained with a little motivation.
After that, the challenge will be to make the spacecraft loads ready and then align the husband with the sun to create Solar overall eclipse.
“We cannot wait to see the end of the tool’s calibration and the first image of the sun,” Gallowo said.