The Herschel-Planck programme - the two spacecrafts in orbit, already a success

Paper number

IAC-10.A3.4.2

Author

Mr. Pascal Rideau, Thales Alenia Space France, France

Coauthor

Mr. Thomas Passvogel, European Space Agency (ESA), The Netherlands

Coauthor

Mr. Gerald Crone, European Space Agency (ESA), The Netherlands

Coauthor

Mr. Jean-Michel Reix, Thales Alenia Space France, France

Coauthor

Dr. Bernard Collaudin, Thales Alenia Space France, France

Coauthor

Mr. Yvan Roche, Thales Alenia Space France, France

Year

2010

Abstract

The two science missions Herschel, an observatory-type mission, and Planck, a survey mission, are combined in one programme within ESA long-term science programme.

Herschel an observatory mission, targets the largely unexplored infra-red and sub-millimetre part of the electromagnetic spectrum from 60 to 670 microns with three scientific instruments (PACS, SPIRE, HIFI).

As a survey mission, Planck is imaging the whole sky simultaneously with two scientific instruments (HFI, LFI) in nine frequency channels between 30 and 900 GHz to unravel the temperature fluctuations, the anisotropy, and the polarisation of the cosmic background radiation.

A single Ariane 5 has successfully launched both satellites from the European Space Port in Kourou, French Guiana on May 14th 2009. They have since reached their final orbits around the 2nd Lagrange Point L2 of the Earth-Sun system: a Large Lissajous in direct injection for Herschel, a Small Lissajous after 4 injection manoeuvres for Planck.

Both spacecraft are now  operational in-orbit and successfully performing their scientific mission. The paper will first recall the Herschel and Planck spacecraft's main characteristics and main technical challenges, the mission aspects and science requirements. The major steps of spacecraft development and testing leading to the successful launch will be detailed.

First in-orbit results of Herschel and Planck will be presented with a focus on the following major aspects: cryogenic behaviour, attitude control and scientific performance.

Abstract document

IAC-10.A3.4.2.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-10.A3.4.2.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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