Summary
|
STE-QUEST Space-Time Explorer and QUantum Equivalence Principle Space Test |
|||||
| Theme | What are the fundamental physical laws of the Universe? | ||||
| Primary Goal | To test Einstein's Equivalence Principle to high precision and search for new fundamental constituents and interactions in the Universe. | ||||
| Observables |
Differential acceleration measurements of freely falling atoms; Clock redshift measurements. |
||||
| Spacecraft and Instruments |
Single spacecraft carrying:
|
||||
| Orbit | Highly elliptical orbit around the Earth | ||||
| Lifetime | 5 years | ||||
| Type | M-class candidate mission | ||||
Mission timeline
- 2024: Targeted launch date
- February 2014: PLATO was selected as M3 - the third medium-class mission in ESA's Cosmic Vision Programme
- 2013: Under assessment – decision from the Science Programme Committee (SPC) expected by February 2014
- February 2013: Instrument consortia selected
- October 2011: Invitation to Tender issued to industry
- April 2011: Beginning of assessment phase
- February 2011: STE-QUEST is one of four missions selected for further study
- 2010: proposed as an M-Class mission in response to Call for Proposals
- 2009: Consultation process with scientific community
Last Update: 1 September 2019