2024-07-29 04:00:10
An unexpected challenge has just shaken the European Space Agency (ESA) and its Gaia space observatory. More than 1.5 million kilometers from Earth, this technological jewel was recently the target of a double space blow: a micrometeorite and a storm solar. Although the impact was devastating, scientists announce that Gaia is operational again.
Credit: ESA/ATG medialab; background: ESO/S. Brunier
Located at the L2 Lagrange point, Gaia’s mission is to create a 3D map of the stars in the Milky Way. Last April, a micrometeorite the size of a grain of sand damaged the shield protective, disruptive sensors. In May, another electronic failure led to thousands of false star detections. The May failure may have been related to a solar particle flare, which also triggered northern lights around the globe. Despite the impact on the hardware, the team was able to correct the softwareadjusting the star detection threshold to keep Gaia running.
Launched in 2013, Gaia was originally intended to remain in orbit for six years. It has already far exceeded that duration, delivering major discoveries such as the identification of the oldest stars in the Milky Way, and the observation of hidden star systems and companions.
With a mission end now scheduled for 2025, Gaia continues to provide essential data for understanding our galaxy and beyond. science stars owes much to this pioneering mission.
At the end of 2023, Gaia celebrated its 10th anniversary
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