Extended operations confirmed for science missions
13 October 2020
ESA's Science Programme Committee has confirmed the continued operations of five missions led by ESA's Science Programme: Cluster, Gaia, INTEGRAL, Mars Express, and XMM-Newton, from 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2022. The SPC also confirmed the Science Programme's contributions to the extended operations of Hinode, Hubble Space Telescope, IRIS, SOHO, and ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter.
The decision was taken during the SPC meeting held on 1 October and follows a comprehensive review of the scientific merits and technical status of the missions.
Indicative extensions to the operations of Gaia, Hinode, Hubble Space Telescope, IRIS, SOHO, and XMM-Newton, from 1 January 2023 to 31 December 2025, subject to a mid-term review and subsequent SPC confirmation in 2022, were also approved at the meeting.
For further information, please contact:
Luigi Colangeli
Head of the Science Coordination Office (SCI-CS)
Directorate of Science
European Space Agency
Email: Luigi.Colangeli
esa.int