Mission Goal

To answer the fundamental question: Does another Earth exist in the universe?

Project Scope

The PLATO mission focuses on three key areas of research:

1. Exoplanet Characterization: PLATO will analyze hundreds of rocky, icy, and gas giant exoplanets by measuring their:

   • Radii (accuracy: 3%)
   • Masses (accuracy: better than 10%)
   • Ages (accuracy: 10%)

2. Scientific Impact: PLATO’s discoveries will primarily help us understand the architecture of planetary systemsand the evolution of exoplanets. The mission will also provide insights into the habitability of different planetary environments.

3. Stellar Analysis: PLATO will examine the host stars of discovered planets and conduct stellar seismology to detect “starquakes”, providing critical data on:

   • The physical properties and evolution of these stars.
   • The formation and dynamics of entire planetary systems.

Spacecraft and Instrumentation

Launch Mass: ~2,300 kg

Size:

• Stowed configuration: 3.5 × 3.1 × 3.7 m (at launch)
• Deployed configuration:
  • Solar Panels: Once deployed, PLATO will have a wingspan of ~9 meters.
  • Solar Array Area: Over 30 m², ensuring sufficient power for its instruments.

Cameras:

• PLATO will use 26 cameras simultaneously to observe its targets.
• This multi-camera approach will:
  • Improve precision and data quality by combining measurements.
  • Enable a broader field of view, covering a larger portion of the sky than previous missions.
  • Increase the number of detectable stars and planets.

Mission Duration:

• Primary mission: 4 years
• Extension potential: Up to 8.5 years

Scientific Heritage

PLATO builds on the success of previous exoplanet missions:

• CoRoT (CNES/ESA): The first mission to detect exoplanets and study stellar interiors.
• CHEOPS (ESA): Currently characterizing known exoplanets around bright nearby stars, laying the groundwork for PLATO’s broader survey.
• Kepler & K2 (NASA): Provided extensive data on exoplanets and their properties. PLATO will refine this research with a focus on Sun-like stars and their planetary systems.
• TESS (NASA): Continues exoplanet discovery around bright nearby stars. PLATO will enhance this effort by providing detailed exoplanet characterization.

PLATO’s findings will complement the discoveries of:

• NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope and ground-based observatories.
• ESA’s Gaia mission and NASA’s upcoming Roman Space Telescope, furthering our understanding of exoplanets orbiting Sun-like stars.
• ESA’s ARIEL mission (launch planned for 2029), which will focus on atmospheric characterization of exoplanets.

Mission Partnership

PLATO is an ESA-led mission, with the primary contractor OHB System AG (Germany). The spacecraft will be developed and assembled by OHB, in collaboration with:

• Thales Alenia Space (France & UK)
• RUAG Space (Switzerland)

PLATO represents a new era in exoplanet research, aiming to identify Earth-like planets and provide crucial data on their habitability and stellar environments.

Useful links:

ESA – Plato’s cameras 

ESA Science & Exploration – Plato factsheet