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| | Herschel and Planck cruise to L2 | |
Herschel and Planck: Near-perfect injection by Ariane
15 May 2009
The initial orbit provided at separation on 14 May by the Ariane 5 has given near-perfect initial trajectories for both Herschel and Planck, now travelling on separate but similar paths toward their final orbits around L2, according to the mission control teams at ESOC, ESA's European Space Operations Centre.
Mission controllers have now finalised their calculations on the magnitude of initial trajectory correction manoeuvre (TCM) required for each satellite. Both satellites are to conduct TCMs on 15 May, the first full day after launch.
The highly accurate initial orbit provides much more flexibility for conducting the correction manoeuvres, as well as a larger fuel margin for the rest of the mission.
The Herschel Flight Control Team executed their manoeuvre starting today at 17:16:26 CEST, with the thrusters operating for 22 minutes and 28 seconds and providing an overall increase in speed of 8.7 m/s.
The Planck Flight Control Team are scheduled to conduct their TCM starting 21:30 CEST, lasting approximately 2 hours and providing a planned increase in speed of 14.3 m/s.
Both satellites are operating in nominal condition on their way towards their final orbit around L2.
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| | Herschel and Planck launch special Herschel: ESA's giant infrared observatory Planck: looking back at the dawn of time Related articles ESA's cosmic explorers in flight: stunning images from ground and spaceESA en route to the origins of the UniverseWatch Herschel-Planck launch 14 May 2009 15:12 CEST (replay)Herschel and Planck launcher at launch padHerschel and Planck launcher declared fit for launchFairing lowered over satellites in KourouHerschel and Planck launch timelineRead more L2, the second Lagrangian PointIn depth Herschel launch campaign journalPlanck launch campaign journalHerschel in depthPlanck in depth
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