ESA - Herschel - Herschel and Planck pass in-orbit 'exam'

About Herschel

Herschel at a glance Science objectives Herschel highlights History of infrared astronomy

The infrared Universe

Why the infrared?More about the infrared The infrared revolution

Spacecraft and telescope

Vital stats The largest infrared space telescope Instruments Cutting-edge spacecraft

The mission

Journey Early operations Operating Herschel

Meet the team

Herschel Project Scientist Herschel and Planck Programme Manager

Multimedia

Herschel images Herschel videos

Follow me!

Herschel on Twitter

News


Herschel and Planck

Herschel and Planck pass in-orbit 'exam'

24 July 2009
Herschel and Planck have both passed an important 'exam' they were to take before they could go about doing what space telescopes and observatories do.

Both missions have successfully completed their in-orbit commissioning reviews.

The spacecraft are in excellent condition, their instruments have been commissioned, and are now certified ready to begin the performance verification phase to attain optimum performance for scientific observations.

This marks the end of the development phase and the start of the operational phase for both missions.

Send this page to a friend

Herschel: ESA's giant infrared observatory

Planck: looking back at the dawn of time

Space Operations & Situational Awareness

Herschel images promise bright future Coolest spacecraft ever in orbit around L2 Herschel’s daring test: a glimpse of things to come Herschel cryocover is open Planck satellite manoeuvre aims at L2 arrival Herschel and Planck commissioning has begun

L2, the second Lagrangian Point

In depth

Herschel in depth Planck in depth

For specialists

Herschel Science Centre Planck Science Team