Space Science Programme

Question 1

What is the directorate’s focus?

Answer 1

Focuses on scientific missions primarily aimed at understanding fundamental physics, astronomy, and our Solar System.

Manages missions that study planets, stars, galaxies, and other celestial phenomena.

Question 2

What is the purpose of ESA’s Space Science Programme?

Answer 2

scientific research in space to explore…
- fundamental cosmic questions
- understand the universe, Earth and life

Question 3

What year was the Hubble Space Telescope launched and why is it significant?

Answer 3

Launched in 1990; it has provided detailed images of the universe, significantly advancing our understanding of astronomy. Cooperation between NASA and ESA

Question 4

What was the Rosetta mission’s major achievement?

Answer 4

first mission to orbit and land a probe on a comet, helping understand comet composition and behavior.

Question 5

What are the key contributions of the Mars Express mission?

Answer 5

Since 2003, it has provided high-resolution imaging and data on Mars’ atmosphere, structure, and history.

Question 6

main objective of the Gaia mission?

Answer 6

Launched in 2013 to create a precise 3D space catalog by mapping the positions, distances, and movements of billions of stars.

Question 7

What are the components of the ExoMars Programme and its mission?

Answer 7

Trace Gas Orbiter (2016) and a planned rover; aims to find signs of past and present life on Mars.

Question 8

What are the goals of the James Webb Space Telescope?

Answer 8

In collaboration with NASA and CSA Launched in 2021 to study the universe’s first galaxies, stars, and atmospheres of potentially habitable exoplanets.

Question 9

What did the Herschel Space Observatory focus on?

Answer 9

Operational from 2009 to 2013, focused on star formation, galaxy evolution, and the interstellar medium using infrared technology.