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Two new ESA satellites successfully lofted into orbit

2 November 2009

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The SMOS and Proba-2 lift off, on 2 November 2009 at 02:50 CET (01:50 GMT) from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in northern Russia.

Credits: ESA

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Around 70 minutes after liftoff, SMOS is released by the launch vehicle’s Breeze upper stage, placing the satellite in orbit around Earth. Shortly after separation the platform's two solar wings are deployed.

Credits: ESA - AOES Medialab

Looking for water exchanges

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The SMOS Microwave Imaging Radiometer using Aperture Synthesis (MIRAS) consists of a central structure and three deployable arms that carry 69 antenna receivers. From an altitude of 758 km, the SMOS will view an area almost 3000 km in diameter. Due to the interferometry measurement principle and the Y-shaped antenna, the field of view is limited to a hexagon-like shape about 1000 km across. The orbit will result in global coverage every three days.

Credits: ESA – AOES Medialab

Technologies for tomorrow

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