Europe's Euclid space telescope to launch on July 1

The European Space Agency said on Wednesday its space telescope Euclid is scheduled to launch on July 1, blasting off on a mission to shed light on the mysteries of dark matter and dark energy.

What's the (dark) matter with Euclid?

Currently about halfway through the Euclid simulations campaign, the key focus in the Main Control Room is the Launch and Early Orbit Phase (LEOP) and spacecraft commissioning.

Video: Euclid completes thermal vacuum testing

At the Thales Alenia Space test facility in Cannes, France, the massive door of the thermal vacuum chamber was opened after a month of rigorous testing of ESA's Euclid mission to explore the dark universe.

Video: The Fingertip Galaxy: Reflecting Euclid in art

"After Euclid's lifetime, it will just be floating in space. What if future beings found Euclid? How would they know anything about the humanity of the people?" says Tom Kitching, lead scientist of Euclid's VIS instrument.

Euclid gains solar power and protection

Spacecraft are not so different to humans—while the sun can be a great source of vital energy, both people and machines must also be protected from its harmful effects.

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