Following on from the success of its Kepler mission in descovering planets, NASA has selected the TESS (Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite) mission for construction and then launch in 2017 as part of its Explorer programme. Orbital Sciences Corporation has been awarded a contract to construct the spacecraft which will be equiped with wide-angle optical telescopes which will monitor any decrease in stellar brightness which is a signature clue that a planet has just passed in front of a star. The spacecraft will be operated from an elliptical orbit around Earth and have a two year lifespan.
TESS planet finder mission selected by NASA
About Seradata
Seradata produces the renowned Seradata database. Trusted by over 100 of the world’s leading Space organisations, Seradata is a fully queryable database used for market analysis, failure/risk assessment, spectrum analysis and space situational awareness (SSA).
For more information go to https://www.seradata.com/product/
Related Articles
“Stronger than steel” “Stiffer than diamonds” “Capable of sitting on the surface on the sun” No, it’s not superman: It’s Read more
Here are the latest launch and spacecraft orders which were announced or became revealed in July 2025: Construction Orders Boeing Read more
The following construction and launch orders for the space industry were announced in May 2025: Construction Orders: Chinese satellite developer Read more
We are cutting through the orbital debris for you. In other words, we're keeping an eye on space news on Read more
The Trump Administration has proposed cutting NASA’s budget by 32%, earning it the nickname of “the Skinny Budget”. The President’s Read more
We are cutting through the orbital debris for you. In other words, we're keeping an eye on space news on Read more
We are cutting through the orbital debris for you. In other words, we're keeping an eye on space news on Read more
With a record 11,000 attendees and over 2,000 presentations, there were too many ideas, exhibition stands, papers and talks for Read more
On 12 September I was asked to do an interview with Al Jazeera English covering the Polaris Dawn spacewalk. What was Read more
Stay Informed with Seradata
Stay informed on the latest news, insights, and more from Seradata by signing up for our newsletter.