Ariel

ARIEL (the Atmospheric Remote-sensing Infrared Exoplanet Large-survey) is a pioneering European Space Agency satellite scheduled for launch in 2028.

It will observe the atmospheres of at least 1000 exoplanets by using infrared transit spectroscopy, allowing it to detect the spectral signatures of atmospheric molecules. The Astronomy Instrumentation Group is participating in the international consortium to build the scientific payload. This includes leading the development of the end-to-end mission simulator, and contributing to the development of the data processing pipeline.