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    Exploded diagram of the Gaia spacecraft

    Date: 22 Jul 2009
    Satellite: Gaia
    Depicts: Exploded figure of the spacecraft
    Copyright: EADS Astrium

    The Gaia spacecraft is based on a modular concept.

    The payload module is composed of:

    • Torus
    • Folding Optics Structure
    • 2 telescopes (4 mirrors each)
    • Folding Optics (2 mirrors)
    • Radial Velocity Spectrometer
    • Photometer Prisms (2)
    • Focal Plane Assembly
    • Bipods and Release Mechanism (3)
    • Secondary Mirror Actuators (2)
    • Basic Angle Monitor
    • Wave Front Sensor (2)

    The service module comprises the spacecraft structure, harness and thermal control, with electrical service module equipment, chemical and micro-propulsion, and the payload module electronics.


    Last Update: 28 Jul 2009

    • Shortcut URL
    • http://sci.esa.int/jump.cfm?oid=45337
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    • See also
    • Constructing the Gaia torus

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