Tags: European Space Agency, Scientific Satellite, Exoplanet, Scientific Research
Publication: Space.com
Publication Date: 10/19/2012

Artist impression of how the CHEOPS will look. Image credit: European Space Agency

The European Space Agency is developing a new scientific satellite to study large planets orbiting stars nearby. Scheduled to launch in 2017, the Characterising Exoplanets Satellite (CHEOPS) will examine nearby bright stars allowing scientists to take a closer look at exoplanets and their internal structure, identify new planets with significant atmospheres, and understand the formation of alien planets.

Through high-precision monitoring of the star’s brightness, scientists will search for the telltale signs of a ‘transit’ as a planet passes briefly across its face, ESA said in a statement.

In main partnership with Switzerland, ESA expects to launch the spacecraft in 2017 and have the mission last somewhere around three and a half years. It will operate in a low-Earth orbit at an altitude of almost 500 miles.

The CHEOPS was one of 26 proposals ESA received in March during their “Call for Small Missions,” and could open the door for more scientific space explorations for the agency.

 Full story