Preparing to mount the combined sunshield and solar module on the PLATO spacecraft
Preparing to mount the combined sunshield and solar module on the PLATO spacecraft
In a dedicated cleanroom at ESA’s ESTEC facility, preparations are underway to mount the combined sunshield and solar module onto the base of the PLATO spacecraft. For this procedure, the module was suspended from a special lifting device, shown on the left of the photo. In orbit, the solar panels will supply PLATO with power, while the sunshield will keep the scientific instruments ‘in the shade,’ protecting them from heat and glare caused by sunlight.
Credit:
ESA – SJM Photography