Space travel
ESA pair of satellites are intended to demonstrate precise formation flight
Updated 12/01/2024 – 7:51 amReading time: 3 min.
The solar corona is actually only visible during a total solar eclipse – and for just a few minutes. A new ESA mission is intended to collect more data and has to do millimeter work to achieve this.
Two small european satellites will fly through space, separated by millimeter precision, demonstrating precise formation flight in space for the first time. The two missiles are intended to provide insights into the solar corona, which is challenging to see. The European space agency Esa plans to send its mission called “Proba-3” into space on Wednesday from the Satish Dhawan Space Center in india.
“Proba-3” is a exhibition mission. as Esa boss Josef Aschbacher explained, Esa is testing a entirely new way of operating in space. The two satellites, which together weigh 550 kilograms, will be sent into a large, elliptical orbit around the Earth. it takes a good 19.5 hours to fly off the train once.
The two spend about six hours of their flight,namely when the satellites are furthest away from Earth and gravity is less effective,in formation,in a fixed constellation 150 meters apart. the closest distance of the orbit to Earth is 600 kilometers, the furthest point is about 60,000 kilometers away.
The mission is about more than demonstrating precise formation flying: the satellites are intended to provide data about the solar corona, the atmosphere around the sun. As of the sun’s bright and blinding light, this is only visible during a total solar eclipse, i.e. when the moon blocks out the sun’s light for the part of the earth that is in its shadow.
This is exactly what the two satellites are supposed to simulate. One of the two darkens and casts an eight centimeter shadow on the second missile, 150 meters away. Its telescope with a five centimeter aperture should be exactly in the middle of the shadow. The sun is then obscured from the telescope and the corona becomes visible. In order for this to work well,the satellites,which control themselves via sensors,have to work with millimeter precision.
Using this technology, scientists could obtain substantially more data about the corona. A total solar eclipse is rare, but “Proba-3” can simulate it every few hours. And while researchers can only catch a glimpse of the corona for a few minutes during the solar eclipse, the new mission offers six hours of artificial solar eclipse.
So-called coronagraphs can already create such a simulation effect.However, with only one satellite, they cannot see the inner part of the sun’s corona well because diffracted light gets in their way. “Proba-3” can avoid the disruptive effect of the blinding light rays because the two satellites – and thus the obscuration and telescope – are so far apart.
With data about the solar corona, researchers hope to learn more about space weather, ejections and solar storms that can affect satellites and also affect communications on Earth. They also want to understand why the corona is so much hotter than the sun itself.
“Proba-3” could deliver the first images of the solar corona in March. A total of 14 ESA countries are involved in the two-year mission, including austria and Switzerland.
How does the ESA ensure safety and coordination among multiple satellites in space?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Space Expert
Editor: Good morning, and thank you for joining us today. I’m thrilled to speak with you about the recent advancements in space travel, especially concerning the exciting ESA mission involving the pair of small satellites.
Expert: Good morning! Thank you for having me. I’m excited to discuss this groundbreaking mission with you.
Editor: Let’s dive right in! The ESA’s new mission aims to demonstrate precise formation flying with two satellites. Could you explain what formation flying is and why it’s significant for space exploration?
Expert: Certainly! Formation flying refers to the operation of multiple satellites that maintain specific geometrical configurations relative to one another. This technique is vital for various applications, such as enhancing observational capabilities, increasing the accuracy of measurements, and optimizing communications. With precise formation flying, satellites can work together as a unit, allowing for advancements in data collection, particularly in studies like solar phenomena.
Editor: That’s fascinating! I understand this mission involves flying the satellites with millimeter precision. How is such precision achieved, and what kind of technology is leveraged to maintain this formation?
Expert: Achieving millimeter precision involves sophisticated technology, including advanced propulsion systems, exact positioning sensors, and intricate algorithms that allow for continuous adjustments based on real-time data. The satellites will be equipped with onboard systems that can autonomously manage their relative positions while communicating with each other to maintain the desired formation. This precision is especially crucial when observing phenomena like the solar corona, which becomes visible only during total solar eclipses.
Editor: Speaking of the solar corona, how will this mission contribute to our understanding of it? What kind of data do you anticipate these satellites will collect?
Expert: This mission aims to provide valuable insights into the solar corona’s structure and dynamics. By maintaining precise formation, the satellites can capture high-resolution images and gather data on temperature, density, and magnetic fields. Complete data collection during solar eclipses will enable us to study how solar activity affects space weather and,afterward,the Earth’s magnetosphere.
Editor: That is truly remarkable. There is often concern about satellite congestion in space. How does this mission address safety and coordination among multiple satellites?
expert: Safety and coordination are paramount when operating multiple satellites. The ESA’s mission includes comprehensive planning and simulation of the satellites’ trajectories to minimize collision risks. The satellites are designed with fail-safes that allow them to autonomously make adjustments in case of unforeseen circumstances. Ongoing interaction and real-time data exchange ensure they remain on course without interfering with other spacecraft.
Editor: With these advancements, what can we expect for the future of space exploration? Do you envision more missions like this from the ESA or even other space agencies?
Expert: Absolutely. This mission serves as a stepping stone for future endeavors. Other agencies, like NASA and private companies, are also investing in formation flying technologies. We can expect to see more collaborative missions that not only focus on Earth but also aim at observing other celestial bodies, enhancing our understanding of the solar system while ensuring efficient use of orbital space.
Editor: thank you for your insights! As we wrap up, what advice do you have for the next generation of scientists and engineers interested in pursuing careers in space exploration?
Expert: I would encourage young minds to remain curious and embrace interdisciplinary learning. The field of space exploration is rapidly evolving, incorporating physics, engineering, computer science, and even biology. Foster a passion for collaboration, as working together across disciplines will be crucial to tackling the challenges we face in the vastness of space.
editor: Excellent advice! thank you for your time today and for shedding light on this exciting ESA mission. We look forward to seeing the outcomes of this innovative approach to space travel.
Expert: Thank you for having me! It was a pleasure discussing these thrilling advancements in space exploration.