ESA title

The mission

Cheops is ESA's CHaracterising ExOPlanet Satellite. It is the first space mission dedicated to studying bright, nearby stars that are already known to host exoplanets, in order to make high-precision observations of the planet's size as it passes in front of its host star. It focuses on planets in the super-Earth to Neptune size range, with its data enabling the bulk density of the planets to be derived – a first-step characterisation towards understanding these alien worlds.

The launch

  • Launch date: 18 December 2019
  • Launch site: Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana
  • Launch vehicle: Soyuz-Fregat
  • Orbit: Sun-synchronous, dusk-dawn orbit at 700 km above Earth
Cheops

Latest

Exoplanet HIP 67522 b triggers flares from its host star (artist’s impression)
Science & Exploration

Clingy planets can trigger own doom, suspect Cheops and TESS

02/07/2025 1934 views 39 likes
Read
Artist impression of glory on exoplanet WASP-76b
Science & Exploration

First ‘glory’ on hellish distant world?

05/04/2024 7645 views 34 likes
Read
Orbital geometry of HD110067
Science & Exploration

ESA’s Cheops helps unlock rare six-planet system

29/11/2023 9610 views 136 likes
Read
Science & Exploration

Cheops shows scorching exoplanet acts like a mirror

10/07/2023 23436 views 121 likes
Read
Science & Exploration

ESA’s Cheops finds an unexpected ring around dwarf planet Q…

08/02/2023 34809 views 170 likes
Read

More items

  • Science & Exploration

    Cheops: the science begins

    16/04/2020 8920 views 128 likes
    Open item

    Recommended