On November 2nd, the flight model of the largest-ever satellite built in Estonia, ESTCube-2, was tested in the Space Technology Laboratories of Tartu Observatory. The satellite was tested for shock to determine whether the satellite is strong enough to withstand the journey into space. Defueled parts of the multistage launch vehicle are separated by blasting the bolts connecting the stages of the launch vehicle. These shocks will spread to the payload of the launch vehicle and can damage the satellites carried as payload.
The ESTCube-2 flight model successfully passed all shock tests and the satellite did not experience any physical or functional failures. The satellite is now one step closer to being integrated into the launch vehicle. ESTCube-2 is scheduled to launch into orbit in early 2023 on the Vega C launch vehicle. The satellite will only be launched if all the required tests are successful. Next, electromagnetic compatibility tests will be performed with the ESTCube-2 satellite in the Space Technology Laboratories of Tartu Observatory. The testing campaign will end with temperature cycles and outgassing in the thermal vacuum chamber.