This image may not be used to state or imply ESA endorsement of any company or product Planck and Herschel mission launch, artwork. These two missions

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This image may not be used to state or imply ESA endorsement of any company or product Planck and Herschel mission launch, artwork. These two missions were launched into space on 14 May 2009 by an Ariane 5 rocket. The spacecraft are contained in the rocket's upper stage. Here, the covering (or faring) has separated, revealing the spacecraft inside. First Herschel, and then Planck, will separate from the rocket and then travel away from Earth to carry out their missions. Herschel will collect infrared radiation from some of the coolest and most distant objects in the Universe. Planck will study the Cosmic Microwave Background, the radiation left over from the Big Bang.

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Size: 5079px × 3468px
Photo credit: © EUROPEAN SPACE AGENCY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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