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Planck update in pictures

1 October 2008

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The Planck spacecraft set up for fine-balance tests inside the Large Space Simulator (LSS) at ESA's European Space Research and Technology Centre, ESTEC, on 3 April 2008.

Four fine-balance test sessions were carried out between 3 and 9 April 2008. The spacecraft was spun up to 30 rpm in light-vacuum conditions. With the main door of the LSS still open a dry run in ambient conditions was performed in the morning of 3 April, before the start of the actual tests.

Credits: ESA

At ESTEC

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Planck at the ESTEC test centre on 31 March 2008. The spacecraft is seen here inside a cleanroom, being prepared for a fine balance test inside the Large Space Simulator.

Credits: ESA

At Centre Spatial Liège

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Planck wrapped up for transport at a cleanroom in ESA's European Space Research and Technology Centre, ESTEC, on 18 Apr 2008. The satellite was being prepared for transport to Centre Spatial Liège, Belgium.

Credits: ESA

Thermal balance/ thermal vacuum tests

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View of the Planck spacecraft during the preparations for the chamber fit check on 19 May 2008. The Focal-5 test chamber is visible in the background and the thermal tent that will surround the spacecraft inside the Focal-5 test chamber is seen on the right.

Credits: ESA/Thales

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View of the Planck telescope and focal plane unit, with the spacecraft in a horizontal position inside the Focal-5 vacuum chamber.

Credits: ESA/Thales

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