PROBA2 is an ESA micro-satellite launched on November 2, 2009. We present you the website of the PROBA2 Science Center, hosted at the Royal Observatory of Belgium (ROB/SIDC) and maintained by the science teams behind the solar observing instruments onboard: SWAP and LYRA.
PROBA stands for PRoject for Onboard Autonomy, which is an ESA program of small satellites for in-flight demonstration of new technology. Following up on the success of PROBA1, PROBA2 will host 17 new technological developments and 4 scientific instruments. Among the platform elements and experiments to be technologically demonstrated on PROBA2 are the new powerful ADPMS on-board computer, AOCS subsystems, highly integrated avionics and power units, a star tracker, sun sensors, a propulsion subsystem, Li-ion batteries, reaction wheels and an advanced stellar compass.
The science payload on-board PROBA2 exists of two main solar instruments (SWAP and LYRA) and two instruments to observe the space environment in the immediate vicinity of the spacecraft DSLP and TPMU. With these instruments we aim at identifying and studying all events on the Sun that might have implications on the solar-terrestrial connection, both through imaging (SWAP) as well as through irradiance measurements (LYRA). The crucial novelty of PROBA2 is that space weather events such as CME’s, EIT waves, EUV dimmings and flares will be observed with a temporal resolution that is at least an order of magnitude better compared to the SOHO mission.
The website will be continuously updated with new material and PROBA2 news. Please come back soon to follow it up.
The PROBA2 Science Center crew