PLATO
Ariane 62 Block 2
Arianespace
Mission
PLATO
- Type: Astrophysics
- Orbit: Sun-Earth L2
Plato, for PLAnetary Transits and Oscillations of stars, is a European Space Agency (ESA) mission with 26 cameras to study terrestrial exoplanets in orbits up to the habitable zone of Sun-like stars. Its goal is to measure the sizes of exoplanets and discover exomoons and rings around them, as well as characterise planets' host stars by studying tiny light variations in the starlight it receives.
Location
Ariane Launch Area 4
Guiana Space Centre, French Guiana
Ariane Launch Area 4 has witnessed the launch of 7 rockets, including 7 orbital launch attempts. While Guiana Space Centre, French Guiana, has been the site for 332 rocket launches.
The Guiana Space Centre is a European spaceport to the northwest of Kourou in French Guiana, a region of France in South America. Kourou is located at a latitude of 5°. In operation since 1968, it is a suitable location for a spaceport because of its equatorial location and open sea to the east.
Rocket
ArianeGroup Ariane 62 Block 2
Ariane 6 variant with two upgraded P160C solid rocket boosters.
Agency
Arianespace
Arianespace SA is a multinational company founded in 1980 as the world's first commercial launch service provider. It undertakes the production, operation, and marketing of the Ariane programme. Their vehicles launch exclusively from French Guiana in South America.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Arianespace Ariane 62 PLATO launch scheduled?
The Arianespace Ariane 62 PLATO launch is currently scheduled for:
.
Launch times are subject to change based on weather conditions, technical readiness, and range availability. Check back regularly for the most up-to-date launch time and status updates.
Where is the Arianespace Ariane 62 PLATO mission launching from?
The Arianespace Ariane 62 rocket will launch from Ariane Launch Area 4 at Guiana Space Centre, French Guiana. The Guiana Space Centre is a European spaceport to the northwest of Kourou in French Guiana, a region of France in South America. Kourou is located at a latitude of 5°. In operation since 1968, it is a suitable location for a spaceport because of its equatorial location and open sea to the east. For viewing location recommendations and tips, check the launch location details above.
What rocket is being used for the PLATO mission?
The PLATO mission will launch aboard a Arianespace Ariane 62 rocket. Ariane 6 variant with two upgraded P160C solid rocket boosters. Detailed rocket specifications and performance data are available in the rocket details above.
What weather conditions could delay the Arianespace Ariane 62 PLATO launch?
The Arianespace Ariane 62 PLATO launch can be delayed by various weather conditions including lightning within 10 nautical miles, high winds (especially upper-level winds), thick cloud layers, precipitation, and poor visibility. Weather must be favorable at the launch site, downrange landing zones, and abort landing sites. Check the launch weather forecast above for current conditions and probability of favorable weather.
How can I get updates if the Arianespace Ariane 62 PLATO launch is delayed?
This page is updated in real-time with the latest Arianespace Ariane 62 launch status, including any delays or scrubs for the PLATO mission. You can also check our space launch schedule for the most current information. Enable push notifications through our mobile app to receive instant alerts about launch status changes, weather holds, or new launch times. We recommend following official Arianespace live streams for the most immediate range updates.
