Ariel
Analysing exoplanet atmospheres
The mission
ESA’s mission Ariel, Atmospheric Remote-sensing Infrared Exoplanet Large-survey, will study the atmospheres of about a thousand planets around other stars. Ariel will study rocky planets and gas giants and discover the ingredients that make up their atmospheres. The mission will also study their clouds and monitor variations over time.
The launch
- Launch: planned for 2029
- Launch location: Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana
- Launch vehicle: Ariane 6
- Orbit: halo orbit around Sun-Earth Lagrange point L2
- 1000 exoplanets
- 2 instruments
- 1400 kg launch mass
- 0.64 m2 collecting area
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