Proba-1 marks 23 years of operation in orbit

Proba-1 marks 23 years of operation in orbit

by Erica Marchand

Paris, France (SPX) Oct 25, 2024

Proba-1, a technology-demonstrating microsatellite, has now been operational for 23 years since its launch into orbit. Built by Verhaert in Belgium, now part of Redwire Space, the satellite was launched on 22 October 2001 aboard an Indian Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

Proba-1 pioneered several significant achievements in space technology. It was the first mission to use lithium-ion batteries in orbit, autonomously handle guidance, navigation, and control tasks, and capture multi-angle surface images. Additionally, it used commercial off-the-shelf components in place of exclusively space-qualified parts, setting new precedents for future space missions.

While Proba-1’s main CHRIS hyperspectral imager ceased operations at the end of 2022, after more than two decades of data collection, the satellite remains fully operational. Its secondary High-Resolution Camera continues to function as well.

Originally designed for a two-year mission, Proba-1’s extended lifespan has provided critical insights into the durability of onboard systems. It will conclude its mission in 2028 when it becomes the first satellite targeted for removal by ESA’s ClearSpace-1 debris-removal spacecraft.

Proba-1 is part of ESA’s broader Proba satellite family, which includes the Sun-observing Proba-2, the terrestrial vegetation-monitoring Proba-V, and the soon-to-be-launched Proba-3. Proba-3 will consist of two satellites that will create artificial solar eclipses to study the Sun’s corona, a key source of space weather.