ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter flight model
Date: 03 March 2015
Satellite: ExoMars 2016
Depicts: Trace Gas Orbiter flight model
Copyright: ESA-B. Bethge
This is the flight model of the ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter, pictured in March 2015 in the Compact Antenna Test Range – a dedicated anechoic RF chamber at the Cannes (France) facility of Thales Alenia Space.
The spacecraft had recently completed an electromagnetic compatibility test. The purpose of such tests is to check the operation of different equipment, in the same environment, to make sure that there is no unexpected interference.
The large dish at the centre of the picture is the reflector of the 2.2-m-diameter high gain antenna. Two low gain antennas are also visible: one is the black structure protruding to the right of the spacecraft, and a second is behind and to the left of the main engine nozzle. Above the nozzle is the spacecraft interface ring that will be attached to the launch vehicle adapter and separation system.
The Trace Gas Orbiter is currently being prepared for the mating with Schiaparelli – also known as the Entry, Descent and Landing Demonstrator Module (EDM) – prior to a start of a series of mechanical tests.
