= PROBA-2 = [[Image(Proba2_title.jpg)]] '''PROBA-2''' is the second satellite part of the PROBA ('''PRoject for OnBoard Autonomy''') series of satellites managed by the European Space Agency (ESA). The PROBA satellites are being used to validate new spacecraft technologies and to embark on a scientific payload dedicated to sun observations and monitoring. The PROBA-2 is a relatively small satellite (130 kg) that was launched on November 2, 2009 with the Rockot launch system. PROBA-2 was launched in a sun-synchronous low Earth orbit (altitude of 700 km). Since January 2010, PROBA-2 has observed all solar events in associated with coronal dynamics and/or solar eruptions.
'''RTEMS''' was used as the operating-system for PROBA-2.



= Features = The spacecraft has a platform size of 60 cm x 70 cm x 85 cm and has a design life of 2 years. To decrease the spacecraft platform mass and power, the PROBA-2 is incorporated with an integrated data handling and a power subsystem. The PROBA-2 is equipped with propulsion technology designed for small satellites and an attitude control systems for high spatial resolution. The spacecrafts, Phoenix GPS receivers constitute the basic sensor for navigation and timing information with regard to onboard usage and ground based mission support. Proba2_parts.jpeg = Ground Segment = The '''PROBA-2 Mission Operation Center''' (MOC) is located at the ESA's Redu Ground Station in Belgium. This is where flight dynamics, operations planning and spacecraft operations are conducted. The MOC is designed such that nominal operations are performed in an automated way, including satellite pass prediction, pass activity scheduling, scientific request processing, spacecraft data collection and distribution. Operator involvement is only required for off-nominal activities. The '''Science Operation Center''' (SOC) is located at the facilities of the Royal Observatory of Belgium (ROB) in Ukkel (Brussels). After reception of the scientific data from the spacecraft, they are automatically transferred to the SOC for further processing. ESA_redu_ground_station.jpeg = References and external links = * [http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Proba/SEMJJ5ZVNUF_0.html http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Proba/SEMJJ5ZVNUF_0.html] * [http://sci.esa.int/science-e/www/area/index.cfm?fareaid=121 http://sci.esa.int/science-e/www/area/index.cfm?fareaid=121] * [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proba-2 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proba-2] * [http://edc.dgfi.badw-muenchen.de/docs/ESA4S_06_11d.pdf http://edc.dgfi.badw-muenchen.de/docs/ESA4S_06_11d.pdf] * [https://directory.eoportal.org/web/eoportal/satellite-missions/p/proba-2 https://directory.eoportal.org/web/eoportal/satellite-missions/p/proba-2]