Herschel Space Observatory

20093.5 m mirrorInfrared telescope

LocationSpace (L2)

Year2009

Size3.5 m mirror

TypeInfrared telescope

About Herschel Space Observatory

Carried the largest single mirror flown in space at the time of its launch. A European mission observing in far-infrared light. Launched with Planck in May 2009. Studied star formation and dusty galaxies. Traced water in planet-forming regions. Ended in 2013 when its liquid helium coolant ran out.

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