the Exoplanet Characterisation Observatory

What are exoplanets made of?

EChO is one of the ESA M3 mission candidates currently assessed for an expected launch in 2022. See sci.esa.int/echo

Credit: Huw Jones - UCL Media Services

The Exoplanet Characterisation Observatory, EChO, will be the first dedicated mission to investigate the physics and chemistry of Exoplanetary Atmospheres. It will place our Solar System in context and by addressing the suitability of planets for life will allow us to address some of the fundamental questions of the Cosmic Visions programme:

• What are the conditions for planet formation and the emergence of life?
• Are systems like our Solar System rare or very common? How does the Solar System work?

EChO will provide high resolution, simultaneous multi-wavelength spectroscopic observations on a stable platform that will allow very long exposures. The use of passive cooling, few moving parts and well established technology gives a low-risk and potentially long-lived mission.

More...

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Useful links:

• The EChO page at ESA: sci.esa.int/echo
• A catalogue of known transiting exoplanets: exoplanet.eu
• New targets from the Kepler mission: kepler.nasa.gov

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