Arianespace launches ESA’s CHEOPS satellite to study exoplanets

A Soyuz rocket successfully launched an Italian Earth observation satellite Dec. 18, with the European CHEOPS mission to analyze exoplanets and three small auxiliary payloads also along for the ride. The four-stage Russian Soyuz Guiana Space Center in French Guiana lifted off at 03:54 Eastern Wednesday, marking the 23rd Soyuz mission for Arianespace from the Guiana Space Center. A previous attempt one day earlier was scrubbed due to a launcher software issue. More

(Source: SpaceNews - Dec 18)