The PLAnetary Transits and Oscillations of stars (PLATO) structural and thermal model of the Payload Module (PLM) successfully finished its mechanical and thermal qualification test campaign. After determining the centre of gravity, performing vibration tests including quasi static vibration above 10 g and finishing with thermal balance and vacuum cycling test the PLM structure and thermal control now have been qualified.
The ESA PLATO project has been contracted to a core industrial team consisting of OHB, Thales Alenia Space and Beyond Gravity. The test facility operations for the PLM campaign were performed by ETS.
Note: The view expressed herein can in no way be taken to reflect the official opinion of the European Space Agency.