Status of PLATO mission camera: progress on TVAC tests and performance overview for the camera flight models

Abstract

PLATO (PLAnetary Transits and Oscillations of stars)1 is the M3 class ESA mission dedicated to the discovery and study of extrasolar planetary systems by means of planetary transits detection. PLATO Payload Camera units are integrated and vibrated at CSL before being TVAC tested for thermal acceptance and performance verification at 3 different test facilities (SRON, IAS and INTA). 15 of the 26 Flight Cameras were integrated, tested and delivered to ESA for integration by the Prime between June 2023 and June 2024, with the remaining flight units to be tested by the end of 2024. In this paper, we provide an overview of our serial testing approach, some of the associated challenges, key performance results and an up-to-date status on the remaining planned activities.