The European Space Agency’s (ESA) new Ariel mission, designed to investigate the chemical composition of faraway exoplanets, has successfully concluded its Preliminary Design Review (PDR), setting the stage for a 2029 launch. This mission includes a telescope, infrared spectrometer, and guidance module, and aims to examine about 1000 exoplanets’ atmospheric and chemical characteristics.
The completion of the PDR represents an essential step toward Ariel’s anticipated launch in 2029. It will shed light on planetary formation and support the search for alien life by scrutinizing the makeup of about 1000 exoplanets.
Ariel, formally known as Atmospheric Remote-sensing Infrared Exoplanet Large-survey, has reached a vital landmark by successfully accomplishing its payload PDR.
Demonstrating that the mission’s payload design meets all the essential technical and scientific standards, Ariel has overcome any potential obstacles for its planned 2029 launch.
The payload for Ariel will encompass an integrated set that includes the telescope, the Ariel infrared spectrometer (AIRS), and the Fine Guidance System (FGS) module, along with necessary supporting hardware and services.
A team comprised of the Ariel consortium payload prepared 179 technical documents and responded to 364 inquiries from ESA experts who assessed the feasibility, efficacy, and stability of the payload design. Every aspect of the proposed payload was examined to ensure it satisfies the mission’s technical, scientific, and operational prerequisites.
Thanks to this significant accomplishment, Ariel can now advance to the payload Critical Design Review (CDR) and initiate the creation of its initial prototype models.
An artist’s representation reveals ESA’s ARIEL spacecraft en route to Lagrange Point 2 (L2), a gravitationally balanced, Sun-centric orbit, where it will be shielded from the Sun and enjoy an unobstructed view of the sky. NASA’s JPL will oversee the mission’s CASE instrument.
According to Theresa Lueftinger, ESA Ariel project scientist, this progress marks a crucial step for the mission, reflecting the vast work and collaboration put into achieving this milestone. With all elements reviewed and deemed feasible, the team is now confident in moving forward with the mission’s scientific goals.
Ariel will analyze around 1000 exoplanets of varying types and study their individual and collective nature, also observing their host stars’ activities.
Through different methods, Ariel will identify familiar atmospheric ingredients like water vapor, carbon dioxide, and methane, and will detect exotic metallic compounds to understand the overall chemical context of distant star systems. Monitoring clouds and variations in the atmospheres of a few planets, Ariel’s research will extend our comprehension of planetary formation and development.
These observations will broaden our understanding of the Solar System and set the foundation for future exploration of extraterrestrial life and Earth-like planets.
About Ariel:
Chosen as ESA’s fourth medium (‘M-class’) mission in its Cosmic Vision 2015–25 plan in March 2018, Ariel was officially adopted in November 2020 and is currently in development.
A collaboration between ESA and the Ariel Mission Consortium, the project involves over 50 institutes from 16 European countries, responsible for delivering the mission’s payload module, including the reflector telescope and associated scientific instruments.
Airbus will head the European industrial consortium constructing the satellite and offer expertise and support to ESA and the Ariel Mission Consortium for payload module development, with contributions from NASA and other space agencies.
ESA will oversee the service module, the integration and testing of the spacecraft flight model, and be accountable for the launch and operations. After the launch, operations will be conducted jointly by ESA and the Consortium.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Ariel mission
What is ESA’s Ariel mission all about?
Ariel, or Atmospheric Remote-sensing Infrared Exoplanet Large-survey, is a mission by the European Space Agency (ESA) to explore the chemical makeup of around 1000 distant exoplanets. It will involve using a telescope, infrared spectrometer, and guidance module to study the atmospheres and chemical environments of these planets.
When is the planned launch date for the Ariel mission?
The Ariel mission is planned for launch in the year 2029.
What significant milestone has the Ariel mission recently achieved?
The Ariel mission has successfully completed its Preliminary Design Review (PDR), a crucial step that demonstrates the mission’s payload design meets all required technical and scientific specifications.
What instruments will the Ariel payload include?
The Ariel payload will consist of an integrated suite that includes a telescope, the Ariel infrared spectrometer (AIRS), and the Fine Guidance System (FGS) module, along with necessary supporting hardware and services.
How will the Ariel mission contribute to our understanding of exoplanets?
Ariel will analyze various exoplanets, detecting well-known ingredients such as water vapor, carbon dioxide, and methane, and exotic metallic compounds in their atmospheres. The mission will study the nature of these planets both individually and as populations, providing insights into early stages of planetary and atmospheric formation and their evolution over time. It will also lay the groundwork for future searches for life elsewhere in the Universe and planets similar to Earth.
Who are the main collaborators in the Ariel mission?
The Ariel mission is a collaboration between ESA and the Ariel Mission Consortium, involving more than 50 institutes from 16 European countries. Airbus will lead the European industrial consortium in building the satellite, and NASA and other space agencies are also contributing to the payload.
What will happen after the successful completion of the payload Preliminary Design Review (PDR)?
After the successful completion of the payload PDR, the Ariel mission can proceed to the payload Critical Design Review (CDR) and begin to manufacture its first prototype models.
More about Ariel mission
- European Space Agency (ESA)
- Ariel Mission Overview
- ESA’s Cosmic Vision 2015-2025 Plan
- NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)
- Airbus Space and Defence
