PROBA-V's Companion Satellite Launched Successfully

The PROBA-V CubeSat Companion (PVCC) is an ESA in-orbit demonstration initiated by VITO Remote Sensing that aims not only to compare the performance of a payload designed for a small satellite on a CubeSat platform, but also to achieve high-quality Earth observation data suitable for monitoring global land surfaces and analysing the impact of climate change.

PVCC carries an identical spectral imager as from the PROBA-V satellite. By using a well-known payload on a smaller platform, we can compare data and improve the calibration of Earth Observation image, improve image processing chains, and support the transition of our space economy. PVCC will contribute to ESA's mission to understand and protect our planet's precious ecosystems in synergy with the Sentinel satellites and other Earth observation platforms. PVCC is part of a series of ESA’s In-Orbit Demonstration campaigns to provide early flight access to the most promising innovations.

Towards affordable, effective and reliable space technology in service of our planet

VITO Remote Sensing has more than 25 years of experience in developing and operating satellite -based monitoring systems to track and safeguard the status of our earth’s surface. While governmental supported initiatives like SPOT-Vegetation and PROBA-V paved the way, it’s time to make space technology more affordable and accessible, crucial to create a sustainable balance between our economic, environmental, and social responsibilities. With In-Orbit Demonstration missions like PVCC, VITO wants to stay at the forefront in providing high-quality Earth Observation data and services to support scientific research, environmental monitoring, and decision-making in various domains. PVCC will be used to further enhance VITO's data processing chains and calibration expertise.

PVCC is launched with a Vega launcher. The mission, called VV23, placed multiple payloads into sun-synchronous orbit. PVCC is established by a consortium led by Aerospacelab with partners OIP (subcontractor, responsible for providing the PROBA-V spare spectral imager), the Swedish Space Corporation (ground station in X- and S-bands), and VITO Remote Sensing (subcontractor, responsible for the user segment). The ESA mission is funded by the Belgian Science Policy Office.

Source:

VITO Remote Sensing. (2023, October 9). PROBA-V’s companion satellite launched successfully.