European Space Agency – Page 35

Vega/LISA Pathfinder launch timeline

December 2, 2015 Stephen Clark

Follow the major events during the launch of Europe’s LISA Pathfinder gravitational probe testbed, from liftoff of its Vega rocket booster from French Guiana through deployment into its initial orbit.

LISA Pathfinder launch grounded to analyze Vega upper stage

December 1, 2015 Stephen Clark

Launch managers in French Guiana have delayed liftoff of a European gravitational probe pathfinder at least one day to study out-of-bounds thermal readings from the upper stage of its Vega rocket booster, officials said Tuesday.

Finely-crafted experimental space probe ready for launch

December 1, 2015 Stephen Clark

A modest European-built spacecraft tuned to test the delicate, cutting edge technologies required to detect gravitational waves, a measurement that scientists say could yield unforeseen discoveries about the universe, is awaiting liftoff aboard a solid-fueled Vega rocket this week.

ExoMars nears launch, thanks to nonstop work in factory

November 30, 2015 Stephen Clark

Working around the clock to meet a 12-day launch window in March, European engineers are putting the final touches on a Mars orbiter that could shed light on whether tiny microbes or geologic activity still linger on the barren planet.

ExoMars orbiter and lander on display

November 30, 2015 Stephen Clark

The European Space Agency’s ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter and Schiaparelli lander were recently presented to the media as they prepare for a tandem launch to the red planet in March.

Photos: Experimental LISA Pathfinder probe processed for launch

November 24, 2015 Stephen Clark

The European Space Agency’s LISA Pathfinder spacecraft, destined to test the concept of gravitational wave detection a million miles from Earth, is nearly ready for launch Dec. 2.

Vega booster crowned with gravitational probe pathfinder

November 20, 2015 Stephen Clark

After criss-crossing Europe for a decade, the LISA Pathfinder satellite testbed has reached its last stop before launch in early December on a mission to demonstrate the delicate technologies required to detect elusive low-frequency gravitational waves rippling through the cosmos.

Europe to develop satellite to map plant fluorescence

November 20, 2015 Stephen Clark

The European Space Agency has selected a satellite mission to monitor the health of global vegetation over an atmospheric research project to track carbon in Earth’s atmosphere, officials announced Thursday.

ESA plans for Rosetta’s grand finale on comet 67P

November 14, 2015 Stephen Clark

European Space Agency flight controllers are plotting to send the Rosetta spacecraft on a controlled descent to the surface of comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko next year to join the Philae landing probe, which made a bouncy touchdown on the comet’s craggy nucleus one year ago this week.

Oxia Planum tops list of landing sites for ExoMars rover

October 22, 2015 Stephen Clark

Scientists have selected Oxia Planum, a shallow basin connected to dried up channels carved by ancient water flows, as the prime landing site for Europe’s first Mars rover set for launch in 2018.