Testing CRISTAL’s solar panel deployment

With its solar arrays integrated and key qualification reviews under way, Europe’s new ice-monitoring satellite, CRISTAL, is moving from assembly into the demanding test phase that will demonstrate its readiness for the rigours of launch and life in orbit. The photograph shows engineers at Airbus’ facilities in Germany testing the solar panel deployment mechanism, which is essential to ensure these panels deploy correctly and provide the power needed to operate the satellite throughout its mission.

Read full story: Ice mission CRISTAL opens its wings