Annual report - 2007

TPMU (Thermal Plasma Measurement Unit) and DSLP (Dual Segmented Langmuir Probe) are instruments intended for measurement of cold plasma parameters onboard PROBA II satellite. Both instruments are housed in one box and have common power supply, DPU and data interface. The TPMU/DSLP flight model was delivered to Verhaert at December 2006 and passed interface test. The integration to the satellite, tests and launch were expected within 2007. During the year the further delay of the launch was announced.

OBJECTIVES PLANED FOR THE REPORTING PERIOD

The plan for 2007 year suggested in 2006 Project report assumed extension of the project which covered EM extended tests, EM radiation test, data processing software and others activities. The cost of the extension was calculated for 56961 EUR. During evaluation meeting an application for a new project and zero cost extension were recommended as a better way for it. On that account the plan was reduced only to the essential works connected with the pre-launch testing and TPMU presentation. During the year continued delay of the PROBA II project was announced so that the plan was further reduced to have a small reserve for pre-launch activities in the year 2008. During the year 2008 we would like to propose a new project which will cover TPMU in-orbit operation, data processing and scientific utilization.

RESULTS ACHIEVED during the year 2007:

- Software for raw data preprocessing and TPMU data separation

- Analyse of the telemetry data from the PROBA TVT test

- Update of TPMU test procedure (command and regimes for TPMU testing)

- Collection of all TPMU documentation and archive to CD disc

- First contact with the other participants of PROBA II project (SWAP and LYRA science consortium-SCSL)

- Presentation of the TPMU on 6th IAA Symposium on Small Satellites in Berlin

Družice PROBA-2 při testech