Science & Exploration
Plato leaves the Large Space Simulator
This photo captures a moment during the delicate activities to transfer Plato from the Large Space Simulator (LSS) to a cleanroom at ESA’s Test Centre.
In the LSS chamber, Plato recently completed a series of tough tests in space-like conditions. Many of the tests were designed to verify that Plato can achieve its main objective: discovering terrestrial planets around Sun-like stars.
[Image description: Photo of a mostly black spacecraft suspended above what looks like a large, black and circular hole in the floor of a white-walled room. Lifting straps are attached to the spacecraft and connected to an overhead crane. Six engineers in white or light-blue overalls observe the procedure by standing around the hole behind safety fences.]
