posted December 13, 2005 03:44 PM            

Ariane 5 to launch Herschel and Planck for the European Space Agency

The European Space Agency (ESA) has chosen Arianespace to launch its space telescope, Herschel, and the scientific observatory, Planck.

The two spacecraft will be launched simultaneously by an Ariane 5 ECA during the first quarter of 2008 from the Guiana Space Center in French Guiana. Once injected into transfer orbit, they will independently reach their operating orbits around the second Lagrange Point (L2), about 1.5 million kilometers from Earth, away from the Sun.

This latest contract signed by Arianespace clearly demonstrates once again the capabilities of Ariane 5. Europe's Ariane 5 is the only commercial launcher today capable of launching two payloads at the same time, as well as handling the complete spectrum of missions, from commercial launches into geostationary orbit to scientific launches into special orbits.

Herschel, the space telescope
Carrying on the aims of the ISO (Infrared Space Observatory) program, the Herschel space telescope will have two main objectives: observation of the "cold" universe, especially the formation of stars and galaxies; and studying the chemical composition of the atmosphere around celestial bodies, and the molecular chemistry of the Universe. Herschel's mirror measures 3.5 meters in diameter, making it the largest ever deployed in space. The satellite will be built by Alcatel Alenia Space as prime contractor, and will weigh about 3,300 kg at launch.

Planck, a scientific observatory
The Planck satellite is designed to analyze the anisotropic characteristics of the cosmic background radiation left from the original formation of the Universe, to an unprecedented degree of sensitivity and resolution. Planck will provide vital information concerning the origins of the Universe and its cosmic structure. It will be built by Alcatel Alenia Space as prime contractor, and will weigh about 1,800 kg at launch.

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