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Article Images
Two new ESA satellites successfully lofted into orbit
 
2 November 2009

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SMOS and Proba-2 liftoff
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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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Proba-2
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Small satellite technology demonstrator Proba-2 went into orbit on 2 November 2009.

Credits: ESA
 
 
 SMOS launchSMOS in orbit
Proba-2Proba-2
Replay the launchSMOS and Proba-2 liftoff
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SMOS and Proba-2 ready for launchSMOS and Proba-2 installed in launch towerFinal look at ESA’s SMOS and Proba-2 satellites
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