Herschel-Planck launch

another successful launch of a major astro mission

Successful launch and payload separation of the far infrared telescope Herschel and the microwave background observatory Planck by the European Space Agency

Ariane 5 launch carrying Herschel and Planck



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Just a few weeks ago, the Herschel Telescope was launched into space and successfully deployed.
First light is one of the most important tests of any new telescope. It allows you to look at a well-known object, see if there are any problems with your telescope, and to get a small glimpse of how good your telescope is going to be.
The Herschel Space Observatory's large telescope and state-of-the-art infrared detectors have provided the first confirmed finding of oxygen molecules in space. The molecules were discovered in the Orion star-forming complex.

Q. Is Iceland a member of ESA?