NASA’s new planet-hunting satellite just sent back its first image
The Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS), was launched on April 18 that will search thousands of stars for Earth-like exoplanets, after getting accustomed to its new surroundings and doing a quick buzz past the moon, it’s already produced a stunning image that was just released by NASA. The image was produced using only one of TESS’s four cameras. Once the mission becomes fully operational, NASA expects future images to cover more than 400 times the area covered by the shot. A “first light” image suitable for detailed scientific analysis will be released in June.
TESS passed about 8000 kilometres above the moon’s surface, making a slingshot manoeuvre that sent it flying towards its destination: an orbit that will pass between Earth and the moon.
The search for exoplanets and ultimately, extraterrestrial life, will kick into high gear in the coming years. The aging Kepler satellite may be on its last legs, but the launch of the James Webb telescope will help scientists build on the discoveries made by TESS and expand our knowledge of the universe even further.
The spacecraft is expected to reach that orbit and start searching for planets in June. The below image was taken on 26 April, is its first camera test.
TESS passed about 8000 kilometres above the moon’s surface, making a slingshot manoeuvre that sent it flying towards its destination: an orbit that will pass between Earth and the moon.
The search for exoplanets and ultimately, extraterrestrial life, will kick into high gear in the coming years. The aging Kepler satellite may be on its last legs, but the launch of the James Webb telescope will help scientists build on the discoveries made by TESS and expand our knowledge of the universe even further.
The spacecraft is expected to reach that orbit and start searching for planets in June. The below image was taken on 26 April, is its first camera test.
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