Euclid, the European Space Agency’s (ESA) mission to study dark matter and dark energy, is making progress on its journey to Lagrange point L2. Mission controllers at the European Space Operations Centre (ESOC) in Darmstadt, Germany, are currently working on turning on, checking, and calibrating the spacecraft’s equipment, telescope, and scientific instruments in preparation for routine science observations.
On July 11-12, the VIS (Visible Instrument System) control electronics were switched on, and the operations team received “synthetic” data from the instrument, confirming its correct functioning. Additionally, the spacecraft’s micro-propulsion system, consisting of six redundant cold gas micro-propulsion thrusters, was activated for the first time and successfully tested. This system is crucial for ensuring Euclid can achieve precise and stable pointing, delivering high-quality images.
On July 9, the Euclid operation team commanded the release of the K-band high-gain antenna, which is part of the spacecraft’s deep-space communications system. This antenna will be used to send more than 100 GB of compressed data daily from the spacecraft to a large antenna in ESA’s deep-space communication network Estrack. Euclid is now the biggest transmitter of data from trans-lunar space, with a data rate of about 74 Mbps, which is 2-3 times the rates used by the James Webb Space Telescope.
With the successful execution of these critical operations, Euclid is now preparing to open its eyes by switching on the focal-plane detectors of the two scientific instruments.
On July 6, the wheel mechanisms inside the NISP (Near-Infrared Spectrometer and Photometer) instrument were activated for the first time. Engineers received telemetry from the spacecraft about the accurate positions of the wheels and commanded them to rotate to the desired position. The spacecraft remained slightly tilted towards the Sun to allow sunlight to enter the telescope tube without directly illuminating its primary mirror. This procedure warms up the telescope interiors and ensures that any trace of ice evaporates away. Temperatures and electric-power levels are nominal.
To ensure perfect vision, Euclid underwent a de-icing process from July 4-8. The spacecraft was tilted towards the Sun to remove any moisture that could freeze on its telescope mirrors, potentially obscuring and distorting its views of the cosmos. As sunlight entered the telescope tube and the temperature rose, any residual ice evaporated away. This orientation was maintained for several days to allow enough time for the water vapor to escape into space.
On July 3, Euclid executed a critical orbit maneuver, altering its trajectory by about 2.14 m/s to put it on course to join the Gaia and Webb missions around Sun-Earth Lagrange point 2. This maneuver was part of the Launch and Early Operations Phase (LEOP) operations, which progressed nominally during the second day after launch. Other LEOP activities included reaction wheel tests and the completion of remaining tasks before transitioning to commissioning operations.
Euclid’s journey towards Lagrange point L2 continues, and the mission controllers at ESOC are diligently working to ensure the spacecraft’s equipment and instruments are functioning optimally for its upcoming science observations.
What are the goals of the Euclid mission in studying dark matter and dark energy?
Ions, Euclid is now ready to begin its science observations. The mission aims to study dark matter and dark energy, two elusive phenomena that make up a significant portion of the universe but remain largely unknown. By studying the distribution and behavior of these mysterious components, Euclid hopes to shed light on the fundamental nature of our universe and its evolution.
Euclid will be positioned at Lagrange point L2, a stable location in space where the gravitational forces of the Earth and the Sun balance each other. From this vantage point, Euclid will have an unobstructed view of the universe, allowing it to collect high-resolution images and spectroscopic data of galaxies and galaxy clusters.
The spacecraft is equipped with a state-of-the-art telescope and scientific instruments that are now being tested and calibrated to ensure their optimal performance. The VIS control electronics have already been switched on and tested, confirming that the instrument is functioning correctly. This instrument will capture visible light from distant galaxies, providing valuable data for analysis.
The micro-propulsion system, consisting of redundant cold gas micro-propulsion thrusters, is also essential for the success of the mission. These thrusters will help maintain the spacecraft’s stability and accuracy, allowing for precise pointing and the capture of high-quality images.
Another crucial system that has been activated is the K-band high-gain antenna, which will facilitate communication between Euclid and the ground stations. This antenna will transmit over 100 GB of data per day, making Euclid the largest data transmitter from trans-lunar space. With a data rate of approximately 74 Mbps, Euclid surpasses the rates used by the James Webb Space Telescope.
With these significant milestones achieved, Euclid is now poised to begin its scheduled science observations. Over the course of its mission, Euclid aims to survey billions of galaxies and map out the distribution of dark matter and dark energy in the universe. The data collected will provide valuable insights into the origin and evolution of our cosmic environment, contributing to our understanding of the universe’s past, present, and future.
