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IABG accomplishes qualification tests on Sentinel-2A satellite

On behalf of Astrium GmbH, IABG accomplishes tests for the environmental qualification on the Sentinel-2A Airbus Defense and Space Satellite. The satellite is tested at the IABG space centre in Ottobrunn. Delivery of the satellite to IABG premises is expected in July.

The extensive qualification programme comprises mechanical tests such as vibration and shock tests, acoustic tests as well as determination of the mass characteristics. Beyond that IABG accomplishes thermal vacuum tests as well as tests to determine the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) of the item under test.

Testing presumably begins in August with the determination of the satellite’s mass characteristics.

Sentinel-2A is equipped with sensitive optical components for earth observation that must be protected during the environmental test campaign both against molecular and particle contamination. This qualification programme is therefore subject to particularly high clean room requirements

Sentinel-2 consists of the two Sentinel-2A and Sentinel-2B satellites and is part of ESA’s Copernicus programme. The Sentinel-2A will be assigned to provide multi-spectral earth observation data. The satellite will presumably commence its space operation in the coming year.