The two Prisma satellites are undergoing their final system tests in SSC's clean room in Solna. Since the satellites returned from France, where they underwent environmental tests, they have been completed with final software versions.
To confirm that all components and software are compatible, so called "hardware-in-the-loop tests" are performed, simulating various flight scenarios including both satellites and all systems.
The Flight Acceptance Review will be finalized in June. Except for a radio instrument which will be delivered in September, the satellites are nearly ready for launch. In October, they will be transported to the Russian rocket base Yasny from where launch is scheduled on 24 November.
Prisma will demonstrate new technologies for formation flying and close interaction between space vehicles. Such technologies will be useful in future scientific missions requiring many small spacecraft that can interact and form powerful antennas and telescopes.
SSC is the prime contractor for Prisma and has developed the major part of the technologies and software onboard. Germany, Denmark and France also deliver technologies to the project which is financed by the Swedish National Space Board and supported by the space agencies of France and Germany.
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