Pre-flight qualification tests of the Mini-EUSO telescope engineering model

Abstract Mini-EUSO is part of the JEM-EUSO program and operates on board International Space Station (ISS). It a UV-telescope with single-photon counting capability looking at nighttime downwards to Earth through nadir-facing UV-transparent window. As pre-flight tests, engineering model, telescope 1/9 original focal surface lens 2.5 cm diameter, has been built tested. Tests model have made in laboratory open-sky conditions. Laboratory tests performed TurLab facility, located Physics Department University Turin, equipped rotating tank containing different types materials light sources. In this way, configuration for observation from space was emulated, including trigger schemes. addition qualification calibration also used evaluate possibility using JEM-EUSO-type detector applications such as debris. Furthermore, observations conditions allowed studies natural sources stars, meteors, planets, artificial airplanes, satellites reflecting sunlight, city lights. Most these targets could be detected Mini-EUSO. paper, are reported, well obtained results. addition, contribution that provided foresee improve performance ISS discussed.