The Day America Gained New Eyes on Mars
Fifty-six years ago, a revolutionary spacecraft launched toward the Red Planet after being saved from disaster by two quick-thinking technicians who risked their lives to prevent a rocket collapse
PLANCK (34938)
COSPAR: 2009-026B | Alt Name: Planck
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 14, 2009
Launch Site
FRGUI
Launch Pad
ELA3
Launch Vehicle
Ariane 5ECA
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
34938
International Designator
2009-026B
Decay Date
Unknown
Basic Satellite Info
Name
PLANCK
Alternative Name
Planck
Type
Payload
Status
Non-operational
Owner
ESA
Country
European Space Agency
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
The PLANCK satellite, also known as Planck, was launched on May 14, 2009, from Guiana Space Centre's ELA3 launch pad using an Ariane 5ECA launch vehicle. Manufactured by THALES for the European Space Agency (ESA), it is designed to study cosmic background radiation. The satellite measures 4 meters in length with a diameter and span of 4.5 meters each, having a dry mass of 1537 kilograms and a launch mass of 1921 kilograms. Its primary equipment includes Low Frequency Instrument (LFI) and High Frequency Instrument (HFI). PLANCK is powered by solar cells complemented by batteries for energy storage. The satellite has a cylindrical shape and was launched as part of the mission to investigate cosmic background radiation.
Physical Characteristics
Length
4
Diameter
4.5
Span
4.5
Dry Mass
1537
Launch Mass
1921
Shape
Cyl
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Planck
Purpose
Cosmic Background
Mission
Cosmic Background
Manufacturer
THALES
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Planck
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
LFI, HFI
Power System
Solar cells, batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
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