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    Herschel and Planck to lift off on 14 May

    28 Apr 2009

    Now that additional checks on the Ariane 5 ECA launcher have been completed, Arianespace and ESA have set the launch date of Herschel and Planck for Thursday 14 May.

    Herschel
    Planck
    In the meantime, the preparation of the two satellites for launch continues flawlessly at Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana. Herschel and Planck have already been fuelled with hydrazine. Planck's three-stage active cryogenic cooler, needed to keep the instruments at extremely cold temperatures, has been filled with helium-3 and helium-4. Herschel's cryogenic tanks are also being filled with superfluid helium.

    Planck was also integrated with the Ariane 5 launcher, and is now waiting to be covered with the SYLDA element. This structure is needed to both encapsulate Planck during launch and to support the upper passenger - Herschel.

    For more information:
     
    ESA - Media Relations Office
    Tel: +33 (0)1 5369 7299
    Fax: +33 (0)1 5369 7690
    Email : mediaesa.int


    Last Update: 28 Apr 2009

    • Shortcut URL
    • http://sci.esa.int/jump.cfm?oid=44700
    • See also
    • Herschel and Planck launch campaign
    • Planck (In depth)
    • Herschel (In depth)
    • Planck launch campaign journals
    • Herschel launch campaign journals

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