08 MAY. 2008
publication date
5697
Views
The Herschel satellite was a tall cylinder, about 7.5 m high and 4.0 m wide, with a launch mass of around 3.4 tonnes.
The Herschel spacecraft | |
|---|---|
Dimensions | ~ 7.5 x 4.0 m (height x width) |
Mass | 3.4 tonnes at launch |
Telescope mass | 315 kg |
Spacecraft | 3-axis stabilised |
Telescope size | 3.5 m diameter primary mirror |
Science data rate | 130 kbps |
Lifetime | 3.5 years |
Operational orbit | Lissajous orbit at an average distance of 800 000 km from L2 |
Attitude thrusters | 12 thrusters, 20 N each |
Solar arrays | Flat, fixed panels of triple-junction Ga As cells, Solar array area: about 12 m2 |
Batteries | 39 Ah Lithium ion batteries |
Communication | 2 low gain antennae 1 medium gain antenna |
Media modal
Caroline and William Herschel: Revealing the invisible
The Herschels were pioneers of the systematic classification and investigation of the heavens. William Herschel was one of the first 'professional' astronomers, and discovered infrared radiation. His sister Caroline helped him to develop the modern mathematical approach to astronomy.
Observations: Seeing in infrared wavelengths
The Universe in infrared wavelengths is only one step removed from the familiar, visible Universe. It is the cooler objects that emit most strongly in the infrared.
The electromagnetic spectrum
Light, or electromagnetic radiation, comes in many forms. There are radio waves, microwaves, infrared light, visible light, ultraviolet light, X-rays and gamma rays, all of which form what is known as the 'electromagnetic spectrum'
Share this page
stay updated
Subscribe to our newsletter to receive the latest news, mission updates, and exclusive insights directly in your inbox. Be the first to know about our upcoming projects and breakthroughs.