(NASA, ESA https://bit.ly/3DmA8sb)
The consequences of the Russian invasion of Ukraine are still felt in the space sector.
The European Space Agency (ESA) found a replacement for the Soyuz-ST rocket, which was previously planned to be used to launch the Euclid telescope into space.
The telescope will now be launched on SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket.
The development of Euclid began in 2012 and the observatory's payload consists of:
- a 1.2-meter Korsch telescope
- the scientific instruments VIS (VISible imager)
- NISP (Near Infrared Spectrometer and Photometer).
Also, the telescope will be engaged in:
- research in the field of dark energy and dark matter
- will clarify the expansion rate of the Universe
- will help in creating a 3D map of the distribution of galaxies in the Universe
At the end of last year, the telescope successfully passed cryogenic tests, and now it is being assembled at Thales Alenia Space in Italy, where it is preparing to undergo thermal vacuum tests.
SPACEX TIME
Initially, the launch of the Euclid telescope was scheduled for the end of this year from the Kourou spaceport in French Guiana, using the Soyuz-ST-A launch vehicle.
However, in February of this year, Roscosmos suspended cooperation with European partners in organizing commercial launches in response to EU sanctions.
Because of this, ESA had to look for another launch vehicle, while experiencing difficulties with the start of operation of its new Ariane 6 rocket.
As a result, the European agency chose the Falcon 9 rocket of SpaceX and the launch is scheduled for 2023.
At the same time, ESA did not disclose the cost of the transfer, including the loss of funds due to the disruption of the commercial launch on the Soyuz.
After the laun, the observatory will begin a 30-day flight to the second Lagrange point in the Sun-Earth system, around which it will work in a halo orbit for six years.
Sourcse:
- Spacenews.com: https://spacenews.com/esa-moves-two-missions-to-falcon-9/
- Gizmodo: https://gizmodo.com/esa-could-launch-space-telescope-with-spacex-falcon-9-1849672587
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