PROBA-2

PROBA-2 is the second satellite in the European Space Agency's series of PROBA low-cost satellites that are being used to validate new spacecraft technologies while also carrying scientific instruments. PROBA-2 is a small satellite (130 kg) developed under an ESA General Support Technology Program (GSTP) contract by a Belgian consortium led by Verhaert (now QinetiQ Space) of Kruibeke, Belgium. The nominal mission duration was two years. As of 2022, the mission continues.

PROBA-2
Mission typeTechnology
Space weather
OperatorEuropean Space Agency
COSPAR ID2009-059B
SATCAT no.36037
Mission duration2 years (planned) 14 years, 3 months and 4 days (in progress)
Spacecraft properties
BusPROBA
ManufacturerVerhaert Design & Development (now QinetiQ Space)
Launch mass120 kilograms (260 lb)
Dimensions0.60m x 0.70m x 0.85m
Power120 watts
Start of mission
Launch date2 November 2009, 01:50:00 (2009-11-02UTC01:50Z) UTC
RocketRokot/Briz-KM
Launch sitePlesetsk 133/3
Orbital parameters
Reference systemGeocentric
RegimeSun-synchronous
Perigee altitude713 kilometres (443 mi)
Apogee altitude733 kilometres (455 mi)
Inclination98.28 degrees
Period99.12 minutes
Epoch24 January 2015, 13:01:08 UTC

ESA solar system insignia for the PROBA-2 mission  
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