Finnish research to reveal new information on the birth of the Universe
URSAFinnish researchers and companies have a significant input in the development of satellites by the European Space Agency (ESA). Planck- and Herschel satellites have a purpose in shedding light onto the structure of the Universe, as well as providing information about the birth of stars and galaxies about 14 billion years ago. ESA will launch the two satellites in tandem from Europe's Spaceport in Kourou, French Guyana. The launch will take place in May.
Planck, which is equipped with the most sensitive radio technology, is designed to study the Cosmic Microwave Background radiation. This is also referred to as the "echo of the Big Bang". The satellite's 70 GigaHertz radio receiver has been designed and assembled in Finland. The project was directed by Technical Research Centre of Finland (VTT) and MilliLab of the Helsinki University of Technology. The construction was carried out by DA Design Ltd..
Herschel, which collects long-wavelength infrared radiation, is expected to provide new information on the birth of stars. Herschel will observe at wavelengths never covered before. Finnish company Opteon Ltd. has polished the primary mirror of Herschel satellite. The mirror diameter, which is made of Silicon carbide (SiC) has 3.5-metres diameter, which makes Herschel to be the largest and most challenging space telescope ever built.
The control and guidance software of Herschel and Planck have been developed by Space Systems Finland. Patria designed and manufactured the operating unit of Herschel's cryostate in a way that it is able to maintain the temperature of the detectors close to absolute zero (-273ºC).
The Finnish contribution to the Planck instruments and technology deliveries is about 14,5 million Euros. Tekes, the Finnish Funding Agency for Technology and Innovation, is responsible for the co-ordination and financing of the ESA operations. The Finnish Academy allocated 2,5 million Euro funding for Finnish scholars for carrying out scientific research relating to Herschel and Planck.
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