ESA's infrared telescope is re-named as its mission is revamped
The European Space Agency (ESA) telescope 'FIRST' (far infrared and sub-millimetre telescope) has been renamed the 'Herschel space observatory' as it begins a new mission to study the origin of stars and galaxies and continue searching for water in space. ESA hopes the satellite will contribute to understanding the formation of the solar system through detailed observations of comets and of poorly known 'transneptuian objects.' The telescope gets its new name from William Herschel, an Anglo-German astronomer who discovered infrared light in 1800. The Herschel telescope is the first space observatory covering a major part of the far infrared and sub-millimetre waveband. ESA's director of science recently confirmed a February 2007 launch date for Herschel. Detailed design of the spacecraft will begin in June.