The scientific objectives of the SOLAR instruments target the measurements of the solar spectral irradiance: SOLSPEC (SOLar SPECctral Irradiance measurements) covering the 180-3000 nm wavelength range at high resolution, SOL-ACES (SOLar Auto-Calibrating Extreme UV/UV Spectrophotometers) the extreme ultraviolet at moderate resolution and SOVIM (SOlar Variable & Irradiance Monitor) the near-ultraviolet, visible and thermal-infrared regions of the spectrum. The Belgian User Support and Operation Centre was the ESA Facility Responsible Centre for the SOLAR mission operations, i.e. operations preparation, in-flight operation and post-flight activities.
B.USOC got the ISS rotated
Due to the platform design and ISS orbit, the Sun could only be tracked during windows of about 2 weeks per month. To overcome this and get measurements during a full synodic solar rotation (27 days), B.USOC coordinated for almost 2 years to obtain a temporary change of the ISS attitude enabling extended visibility window. The feat was achieved four times!
Final deactivation
On 15 February 2017, SOLAR was parked and shut off. Lot of the involved actors gathered in Brussels to share memories and witness the final deactivation by ESA astronaut Thomas Pesquet. In his space-to-ground message, Thomas Pesquet highlighted the great performance of SOLAR and its instruments, which initially supposed to last only 18 months.
Credits: B.USOC
Credits: B.USOC