PLATO and ARIEL space telescopes

[Spaceception]

I don't know how this doesn't have a topic yet, but the PLATO mission is now under construction (Or has been for a couple weeks).

http://sci.esa.int/plato/

http://sci.esa.int/plato/60708-construction-of-europe-s-exoplanet-hunter-plato-begins/

PLATO (PLAnetary Transits and Oscillations of stars) is a 4-year mission that will search for exoplanets with an emphasis on Earth-sized planets in the habitable zone around Sun-like stars. But unlike Kepler and TESS, it will be able to detect both the sizes and masses of these planets. And will be assisted by ground-based telescopes for better measurements on their masses.

Quote from the 2nd article

Quote

PLATO will not only seek new planets but will also investigate the properties of their host stars, and determine the planetary masses, sizes and ages with unprecedented accuracy. This will help scientists understand the architecture of exoplanet systems and determine whether they might host habitable worlds. In addition, PLATO will also perform asteroseismology – the study of seismic activity of stars – providing insight into stellar interiors and evolution.

And

PLATO will operate from the 'L2' virtual point in space 1.5 million km beyond Earth as seen from the Sun. From this vantage point, it will be our outpost to unravel the mysteries of a multitude of extrasolar worlds.

 

It will launch around 2026, and should be followed up later by the ARIEL telescope a couple years later, which will be specifically designed to look at the atmospheres of exoplanets. https://ariel-spacemission.eu/ (Separate mission that probably deserves its own topic)

Really exciting stuff from the ESA, lets hope they accomplish their goals.

Edited October 19, 2018 by Spaceception