Kepler Space Observatory

Kepler is a space observatory planned by NASA that will search for extrasolar planets. For this purpose, it will observe the brightness of about 100,000 stars over four years to detect periodical occultations of a star by one of its planets. Kepler will not be in an Earth orbit but in an Earth-trailing solar orbit so that Earth will not occult the stars which are to be observed and the photometer will not be influenced by stray light from Earth. The observatory is scheduled for launch in June 2008.

Related Topics:
NASA - Extrasolar planet - Star - 2008

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The probe is estimated to weigh 995 kg, have a 0.95 meter photometer, have a field of view of roughly two hands held at arm's length, will take un-focused "pictures" every three seconds, and will cost an estimated $467 million.

Related Topics:
Kg - Meter - Photometer

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The following is an extract from the official website of the Kepler Space Observatory, detailing in summary its mission objectives:

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The scientific objective of the Kepler Mission is to explore the structure and diversity of planetary systems. This is achieved by surveying a large sample of stars to:

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• Determine how many terrestrial and larger planets there are in or near the habitable zone of a wide variety of spectral types of stars;
• Determine the range of sizes and shapes of the orbits of these planets;
• Estimate how many planets there are in multiple-star systems;
• Determine the range of orbit size, brightness, size, mass and density of short-period giant planets;
• Identify additional members of each discovered planetary system using other techniques; and
• Determine the properties of those stars that harbor planetary systems.
 
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