Focus: Europe

The finalized Cheops satellite. Photo: Airbus
Launch

Airbus Prepares Cheops Satellite

Airbus Defense and Space completed construction of the Characterizing Exoplanet Satellite (Cheops) satellite. The European Space Agency (ESA) recently gave the green light at the Qualification and Acceptance Review. Representatives from ESA,...
The copper-colored baffle cover of the European Space Agency's Characterizing Exoplanet Satellite (CHEOPS) in the clean room at Airbus Defence and Space in Madrid. Photo: S. Corvaja/ESA
Launch

Europe's CHEOPS Satellite Cleared for Lift off

A European exoplanet-studying spacecraft has been cleared for liftoff this fall. The Characterizing Exoplanet Satellite (CHEOPS) recently passed a crucial review designed to assess the spacecraft’s readiness for flight and...