ESA’s 2024 agenda includes Ariane 6 and Vega-C launches, Artemis collaboration, Proba-3’s precision mission, Euclid’s dark matter exploration, and Hera’s study of a binary asteroid system. EarthCARE, Arctic Weather, and Copernicus satellites aid in Earth observation. Galileo expands, and new astronauts finish training for missions, including Axiom-3’s Marcus Wandt.
AT A GLANCE
- Ariane 6 Debut: Europe’s new powerful launcher, Ariane 6, is set for its first flight in 2024, continuing the legacy of excellence left by its predecessor, Ariane 5.
- Vega-C’s Return-to-Flight: Vega-C, Europe’s affordable lightweight launcher, will resume flights in 2024, ensuring Europe’s independent access to space.
- International Collaboration on Artemis: ESA continues its collaboration with NASA on the Artemis lunar program, with the shipment of the European Service Module, ESM-3, for the third Artemis mission in spring.
- Proba-3 Mission: In 2024, the precision formation-flying mission Proba-3 will launch, studying the Sun’s corona with a 144m coronagraph, reaching closer to the solar rim than ever before.
- Euclid Space Telescope’s Debut: Euclid, designed to explore dark matter and dark energy, will reveal its first scientific data at the beginning of 2024.
- Hera Mission to Binary Asteroid System: The Hera mission, launching in 2024, will observe the aftermath of the impact made by NASA’s Dart mission on the binary asteroid system of Dimorphos and Didymos.
- Satellite Launches and Galileo Developments: Multiple Earth observation satellites, including EarthCARE, Arctic Weather Satellite, and Copernicus Sentinel-1C and Sentinel-2C, are set for launch in 2024.
Ariane 6 Takes the Torch
As we step into the new year of 2024, the European Space Agency (ESA) is set to usher in a new era with the launch of Ariane 6, the successor to the retired Ariane 5. Ariane 6, a heavy-duty launcher, represents a culmination of years of development and construction. The upcoming year will witness its inaugural flight from Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, maintaining the legacy of excellence and reliability associated with the Ariane family.
Vega-C Returns to the Skies
Following a brief hiatus in 2023, Vega-C is poised for a triumphant return-to-flight in 2024. This lightweight launcher will continue to provide Europe with an affordable means of accessing space. The combined efforts of Ariane 6 and Vega-C underline Europe’s commitment to securing independent and reliable access to space.
International Collaboration on Artemis Lunar Programme
ESA’s collaboration with NASA on the Artemis lunar program remains a focal point in 2024. This spring, the European Service Module ESM-3 will be shipped to the United States for integration with NASA’s Orion capsule, marking another milestone in the Artemis missions and showcasing the strength of international cooperation in space exploration.
Proba-3: Precision Formation-Flying Mission
In 2024, ESA will launch Proba-3, a groundbreaking mission focused on precision formation flying. The Coronagraph and Occulter spacecraft will fly in tandem, forming a 144-meter coronagraph to study the Sun’s corona at a proximity never before achieved, offering invaluable insights into solar phenomena.
Euclid’s Revelation: Exploring Dark Matter and Dark Energy
At the dawn of the year, the first scientific data from Euclid, ESA’s latest space telescope, will be unveiled. Designed to explore the composition and evolution of dark matter and dark energy, Euclid’s findings are anticipated to deepen our understanding of the fundamental forces shaping the universe.
Hera Mission: Observing the Aftermath in the Binary Asteroid System
Later in 2024, the Hera mission will embark on a journey to the binary asteroid system of Dimorphos and Didymos. This mission aims to observe and analyze the aftermath of the impact made by NASA’s Dart mission, contributing valuable data to our understanding of celestial bodies and their interactions.
Earth Observation Satellites Ready for Launch
ESA has a robust lineup of Earth observation satellites ready for launch in 2024. These include the ESA/JAXA mission EarthCARE, the Arctic Weather Satellite mission, and the European Union’s Copernicus Sentinel-1C and Sentinel-2C satellites. These missions are crucial for monitoring and understanding Earth’s dynamic systems.
Galileo Navigation System Expands
2024 brings exciting developments for the Galileo Navigation System. Two first-generation satellites are scheduled for launch in April, with two more following later in the year. These additions will not only expand the Galileo constellation but also enhance its overall performance. Additionally, the year will witness the first hardware deliveries for the second-generation Galileo satellites.
Astronaut Class of 2022 Completes Training
The five career astronauts from the 2022 astronaut class are set to complete their basic training in 2024, marking a significant milestone in their journey. With their training concluded, these astronauts will be ready for mission assignments, contributing to ESA’s ongoing endeavors in space exploration.
Axiom-3 Mission: Swedish Astronaut Takes the Stage
Swedish project astronaut Marcus Wandt is set to make headlines in January as he launches to the Space Station as a mission specialist on the Axiom-3 commercial mission. This mission coincides with the return to Earth of ESA astronaut Andreas Mogensen after a six-month stay on the Space Station in February, showcasing the continuous human presence in space.
As the European Space Agency propels itself into 2024, these initiatives and missions underscore its commitment to advancing space exploration, scientific discovery, and international collaboration. The coming year promises to be a year of achievements and milestones, with ESA at the forefront of pushing the boundaries of human knowledge and understanding in the vast expanse of space.
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