Space Missions
Discover the groundbreaking space missions that have revolutionized exoplanet science, including Kepler, TESS, James Webb Space Telescope, and upcoming missions.
Topics Covered:
Kepler Mission (2009-2018)
Kepler was NASA's first dedicated planet-hunting telescope. It monitored over 150,000 stars continuously and looked for tiny dips in brightness caused by transiting planets.
Kepler alone confirmed more than 2,600 exoplanets and showed that planets are common in our galaxy.
TESS - Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (2018-Present)
TESS is Kepler's successor. Instead of staring at one patch of sky, TESS surveys the entire sky, focusing on the brightest and nearest stars.
It discovers planets that are close enough for detailed follow-up studies with larger telescopes. TESS has already identified thousands of candidates and continues to expand our catalog.
James Webb Space Telescope (2021-Present)
JWST is not just a discovery machine but a characterization powerhouse. It studies exoplanet atmospheres by analyzing starlight passing through them during transits.
With its infrared vision, JWST can detect molecules like water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, and search for signs of habitability on distant worlds.
Future Missions
Several upcoming missions aim to push exoplanet science further:
Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope (NASA, 2027+)
Will use microlensing to find planets, including free-floating ones.
ESA's ARIEL (2029)
Dedicated to studying exoplanet atmospheres in detail.
PLATO (2026, ESA)
Will focus on finding Earth-like planets in the habitable zone.
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