Proba-3 models

One launch for two satellites, flying together in space – the 2017 Proba-3 precision formation flying mission highlighted at the ESA stand at this week’s Farnborough International Air and Space Show.

Proba-3 will demonstrate millimetre-scale formation flying in the context of a large-scale science experiment.

The paired satellites will form a 150-m long solar coronagraph to study the Sun’s faint corona closer to the solar rim than has ever before been achieved.

Beside its scientific interest, the experiment will be a perfect instrument to measure the achievement of the precise positioning of the two spacecraft.