Missions such as Cassini, Rosetta, Stardust and Genesis will improve dramatically our understanding of the early Solar System by studying objects that have changed little since that time. Read more about the missions to explore the solar system.
SMART-1 has gone to the Moon to look for clues to the most dramatic event in the Earth’s early history: the collision that led to the Moon’s formation. The Huygens probe will tell us more about our planet’s development by investigating Titan, Saturn’s largest moon, which has an atmosphere that appears to resemble that of the primordial Earth. SMART-1 is testing new technologies for the European Space Agency during its mission to the Moon. It will study the Moon’s surface, orbit and plasma environment. For more information visit www.uk2planets.org.uk/m_smart.
Stardust is collecting dust particles from interstellar space and from the tail of Comet Wild-2. In January 2004, it flew past the nucleus of Wild-2 and sent back spectacular images. The capsule will return to Earth in 2006.
Global warming is a major environmental issue for us on Earth. Venus Express will investigate an extreme example of a “greenhouse effect” on our nearest planetary neighbour.
Venus Express will set off in November 2005 to Venus. It will survey the planet’s atmosphere, surface and magnetic field. Venus Express carries many of the same instruments as Mars Express and Rosetta. For more information visit www.uk2planets.org/m_venus.htm
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