Clamp-band separation test for CHEOPS
Date: 10 March 2019
Copyright: ESA/Airbus
Testing the clamp-band separation system that will release CHEOPS into orbit. The system consists of two brass-coloured rings mated together, one atop the adapter and fixed to the launch vehicle via a conical interface, and the second one located at the bottom of the spacecraft and remaining with the satellite. When the clamp is released, CHEOPS will be pushed gently into space by a spring-loaded mechanism.
Last Update: 1 September 2019