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Technology demonstration missions
The Proba satellites are part of ESA's In-orbit Technology Demonstration Programme: missions dedicated to the demonstration of innovative technologies. The Proba satellites are among the smallest spacecraft ever to be flown by ESA, but they are making a big impact in the field of space technology.
There is no traditional flight control team for Proba missions. They are designed to operate virtually unaided, performing everyday tasks like navigation and payload and resource management with little involvement by engineers. Both Proba-1 and -2 are controlled by ESA's Operations team from Redu station in Belgium.
Current missions
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Proba-1
Launched in October 2001, ESA's first PROject for On-Board Autonomy (Proba) spacecraft uses advanced on-board automation together with ground-station automation, greatly streamlining ground operations. The mission has already achieved many of its technology goals, and is now operated as a third-party Earth observation mission.
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Proba-2
Due for launch in November 2009, Proba-2 is the result of ESA's continuing commitment to technological innovation. It is being used as a test bed for new technology to be deployed on future missions, including the BepiColombo star tracker, Xenon propulsion and a dual-frequency GPS receiver. Proba-2 uses a satellite platform similar to Proba-1.
Future missions
Proba-3 and V
Proba-3 and Proba-V
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| | Current missions Proba-1 operationsProba-2 operationsFuture missions Proba-3: ESA’s first step towards close formation flyingProba-V
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