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    ESA > Our Activities > Technology > Proba Missions

    Entry 12: Checking launch tower links

    Proba-2 launch team group picture at the museum

    Sunday 13th September – Because things went so smoothly with system level testing yesterday today is only a half working day today. So Sunday turns out to be at least partially a day of rest. In the morning, the team visits the local Russian Armed Forces museum, detailing the Plestesk cosmodrome’s half a century of life… and its many missile launches!

    Proba-2 solar panel end-to-end continuity check
    Proba-2 solar panel end-to-end continuity check

    In the afternoon however the entire team is back at the MIK for final system verification activities: this involves checking the power system end-to-end continuity and final checkout of the umbilical lines at the launch pad. For around two hours, Khrunichev electrical engineers repeat electrical measurements once more to check links between the top of the launch tower and the ‘under table room’ – which is a chamber located underground, right below the tower.

    It is from this little room that the team will, in a matter of weeks, be performing battery health monitoring and charging of Proba-2 up to launch day. Meanwhile at the MIK all data gathered during yesterday’s testing undergoes thorough analysis.

    That night a formal dinner event takes place at the team’s hotel, attended by representatives of all involved parties to celebrate the successful conclusion of the first Proba-2 launch campaign phase.

    Last update: 15 September 2009

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    • Proba-2 launch diary
      • Entry 1: Belgium says goodbye to Proba-2
        • Entry 2: Proba-2's journey to Plesetsk
          • Entry 3: Unpacking after the trip
            • Entry 4: Proba-2 unloaded and ready for inspection
              • Entry 5: Proba-2 powered up
                • Entry 6: End-to-end testing
                  • Entry 7: Filling Proba-2 up with xenon
                    • Entry 8: Proba-2 gains a solar panel
                      • Entry 9: Proba-2 gains its second ‘wing’
                        • Entry 10: Completing Proba-2
                          • Entry 11: Putting Proba-2 to the test
                            • Entry 12: Checking launch tower links
                              • Entry 13: Letting SMOS take its turn
                                • Entry 14: Second phase of Proba-2 launch campaign begins
                                  • Entry 15: Last bolts tightened on Proba-2
                                    • Entry 16: A short journey off the ground – Proba-2 mated to its adapter
                                      • Entry 17: Proba-2 mated onto Breeze upper stage
                                        • Entry 18: Encapsulated, Proba-2 vanishes from view forever
                                          • Entry 19: Proba-2 in place and powered up
                                            • Entry 20: Rail ride to the launch pad
                                              • Entry 21: Far-flung dress rehearsal for launch

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