8.7K views · 554 reactions | This timelapse video shows the preparations for the launch of ESA’s #Cheops, the 'Characterising Exoplanet Satellite', at Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. The video spans about three weeks, starting on 28 November 2019 and ending with liftoff on 18 December. | ESA - European Space Agency | Facebook

🎥 Cheops, ESA’s new exoplanet mission, has successfully completed its almost three months of in-orbit commissioning, exceeding expectations for its performance. The satellite, which will commence routine science operations by the end of April, has already obtained promising observations of known exoplanet-hosting stars, with many exciting discoveries to come 👉 https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Videos/2020/04/Cheops_the_science_begins | ESA - European Space Agency