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Herschel Space Observatory

Overview

Herschel was an infrared space observatory built and operated by ESA. It covered the wavelength range from 70-700 micrometres and was cooled by 2500 litres of liquid helium. It was the largest single segment telescope launched into space.

RAL Space involvement

Responsible for the Spectral and Photometric Imaging Receiver (SPIRE) conceptual design, project management and ground testing, in-flight operations and instrument calibration.
Launch Date
May 2009
Mission End
April 2013
Focus
Astronomy, Planetary science and exploration
Partners
ESA, Cardiff University, Imperial College, University of Lethbridge, CEA, IPAC-Caltech, University of Sussex, University of Trieste, University of Padova, LAM, NAOC, IAC, IFSI

​​​​The Herschel Space Observatory Credit: ESA

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