Tim Ripley
Britain's latest microsatellites have been given the green light for launch after successfully passing all the mandatory tests required before being sent into space on the Ariane 5 booster.
The fit check on DERA's (Defence Evaluation and Research Agency) two Space Technology Research Vehicles (STRV 1c and d), took place at Astrium's Stevenage base. It tested electrical harnesses and connections, as well as lifting and fitting methods on to the Ariane 5 launcher. DERA's satellites are the first to be carried as auxiliary payloads on Ariane 5. They are specially designed to survive the extreme environmental condition experienced in geosynchronous transfer orbit (GTO) while using the conditions to perform the accelerated life testing of new components and materials.
DERA's STRV 1c and d project manager Richard Blott, says: This is a very welcome milestone in our programme and our two satellites performed well, as we expected. This is a significant step in Britain's space programme. STRV 1c and d are scheduled for a late autumn launch.
Source: Flight Daily News
