Exoplanets
TESS considering companion smallsat mission
The leaders of a NASA exoplanet mission are considering using a spare camera for a companion mission that would enable them to confirm existing discoveries and make new ones.
Arianespace launches ESA’s CHEOPS satellite to study exoplanets
A Soyuz rocket successfully launched an Italian Earth observation satellite Dec. 18, with the European CHEOPS mission to analyze exoplanets and three small auxiliary payloads also along for the ride.
Scientists pleased with TESS exoplanet mission
As the first discoveries from a new NASA exoplanet mission start rolling in, project officials are planning for the first in what they hope to be a series of extended missions for the spacecraft.
Kepler planet hunter ends operations after exhausting fuel
NASA’s Kepler spacecraft, which helped astronomers discover thousands of exoplanets since its launch nearly a decade ago, has ended operations after running out of fuel, the agency announced Oct. 30.
Foust Forward | Putting a price on the search for life beyond Earth
How much is it worth to answer one of humanity’s biggest questions? That’s a topic that astrophysicists, NASA and Congress will have to grapple with in the next few years.
Exoplanet report recommends development of large space telescope
A National Academies committee recommends that NASA pursue development of a large space telescope to search for potentially habitable exoplanets, but declined to choose a specific concept for such a mission.
A changing of the guard in NASA’s hunt for exoplanets
As Kepler approaches the end of its life, NASA’s next mission to search for exoplanets is gearing up for launch. Technicians are completing final tests on the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS), a NASA mission scheduled for launch this spring.
Camera focus shift won’t affect TESS mission
Scientists are confident a focus issue discovered last year with an upcoming NASA exoplanet mission won’t affect its ability to meet its goals.
GRAPHIC | Visualizing 800 Exoplanets
This stunning visualization by graphic designer Martin Vargic shows the more than 800 exoplanets astronomers have discovered prior to October 2015 arranged according to their temperature and density.
