PROBA-V spectral imager to be tested on a CubeSat platform
October 9th, 2023, the PROBA-V CubeSat Companion (PVCC) was launched with a Vega launcher from the ESA launch base in French Guiana (Kourou). PVCC is an ESA in-orbit demonstration initiated by VITO Remote Sensing that carries identical spectral imager as from the PROBA-V satellite to be able compare the performance of a payload designed for a small satellite on a CubeSat platform. By using a well-known payload on a smaller calibration platform, image processing and calibration of Earth Observation images can be improved. PVCC will perform co-observations of global vegetation with Europe’s two Copernicus Sentinel-2 satellites. After in-orbit commissioning review (IOCR), the decision will be taken to offer PVCC data via the Terrascope platform.
Towards more affordable satellite data for vegetation monitoring
ESA’s small satellite PROBA-V was launched on May 7, 2013. PROBA-V monitored our entire earth’s surface 24/7 to deliver high-quality satellite data ideal for monitoring plant and forest growth as well as inland water bodies. PROBA-V was one of the last European satellites that was launched without any propulsion, resulting in a decrease in overpass time. While its operational lifetime ended on 30 June 2020, already exceeding the planned 2,5 years working lifetime, PROBA-V captured data over Europe and Africa until October 2021 for experimental purposes. Although PROBA-V is still in good shape, the data can no longer be used in operational services. The platform is now used for experimental and calibration purposes (lunar observations).
Discover more about the launch of PROBA-V’s Cubesat Companion at https://remotesensing.vito.be/PVCC-satellite-launched-successfully
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.
