The quest to explore space
ETH Zurich is involved in a number of space missions – from satellite-based searches for signs of life on exoplanets to the hunt for gravitational waves with the LISA space antenna. These projects rely on strong partnerships with the aerospace industry.
The James Webb Space Telescope
The largest and most powerful space telescope to be launched since Hubble, the JWST comprises a mirror, four infrared instruments and a sunshield to screen it from the sun’s rays. It enables us to peer deep into space and back in time to the early universe.
Mission
Launched successfully in 2021
ETH contribution
The ETH Institute for Particle Physics and Astrophysics coordinates the participation of Swiss research and industry. ETH technology inside: Contamination control cover and connector cables for the Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI), produced by the MIRI Consortium.
Further information
InSight
An unmanned NASA mission to land geo?physical instruments on Mars and investigate the interior of the Red Planet.
Mission
Successfully landed in 2018; final contact December 2022
ETH contribution
On-board seismometer with data-acquisition and control electronics developed by ETH. For four years, this instrument detected Marsquakes and meteorite impacts, transmitting the data back to ETH Zurich. Various ETH groups evaluated the data. Analysis of a powerful Mars?quake enabled scientists to calculate the thickness of the Martian crust.
Further information
LIFE – Large Interfero?meter for Exoplanets
This array of five satellites forms a powerful infrared telescope to study Earth-like planets and track down traces of life in their respective atmospheres.
Mission
Planned for 2040
ETH contribution
LIFE is an international space mission initiated and led by the ETH Centre for Origin and Prevalence of Life.
Further information
LISA Pathfinder
A preliminary space probe for ESA’s LISA (Laser Interferometer Space Antenna) mission: a space antenna to detect gravitational waves, as posited by Albert Einstein. From 2037, LISA will provide new insights into the Big Bang, the development of the universe and Einstein’s theory of relativity.
Mission
Successfully completed in 2017
ETH contribution
The ETH Seismology and Geodynamics research group is part of international ESA consortiums for the preparatory and main LISA missions. ETH researcher were involved in the development of the front-end electronics for the gravitational reference sensor, the heart of the LISA measurement system.
Further information
SpaceHopper
A three-legged exploration robot designed to hop across the surface of asteroids and other low-gravity celestial bodies.
Mission
LunarLeaper – the successor to SpaceHopper – is tailor-made for exploring the Moon.
ETH contribution
A team of ten ETH students developed SpaceHopper from scratch in a two-semester focus project.
Further information
Globe Journey into space
This text appeared in the 24/04 issue of the ETH magazine Globe.