New guest at ESA's test cent the Herschel telescope (Forwarded)

ESA News
http://www.esa.int

8 February 2008

New guest at ESA's test cent the Herschel telescope

ESA's test centre is buzzing with activity and anticipation as it welcomes
its latest guest. The gigantic telescope of ESA's space-based infrared
observatory, Herschel, is being prepared to be assembled with its spacecraft
in the next few weeks.

Herschel's telescope, which will carry the largest mirror ever flown in
space, has just been delivered to ESA's European Space Research and
Technology Centre, ESTEC. Here, engineers and scientists are busy with the
final steps that will prepare the infrared observatory for launch in late
2008.

The 3.5-m diameter technological marvel is made from 12 silicon-carbide
petals brazed together to form a single structure and coated with a layer of
reflective aluminium, forming a remarkably lightweight mirror. The
fully-assembled telescope, which includes the primary mirror, the secondary
mirror and its support structure, is a feathery 320 kg; remarkably low for
such a sturdy structure capable of withstanding high launch loads and
functioning precisely in the harsh environment of space.

It is this powerful telescope that will allow scientists to look deep into
space, at long infrared wavelengths. Herschel's spectral coverage, which
ranges from far-infrared to sub-millimetre wavelengths, will be made
available for space-based observations for the first time. This will make it
possible to observe and study relatively cool objects everywhere in the
universe, from our own back yard to distant galaxies, teaching us much more
about the birth and evolution of stars and galaxies.

The next step is testing the telescope's interface with the spacecraft.
Additionally, the mirrors will be tested for optical and mechanical
stability.

First, the solar array and sunshield will be integrated with the cryostat,
which was mated with the service module in September last year. Once this is
done, the telescope will be ready to be mated, completing the spacecraft.
The spacecraft will then undergo extensive environmental and functional
tests before being shipped to Kourou for the launch campaign.

For more information :

Thomas Passvogel, ESA Herschel and Planck Project Manager
Email: Thomas.Passvogel @ esa.int

[NOTE: Images supporting this release are available at
http://www.esa.int/esaCP/SEM88OPR4CF_index_1.html ]