The Euclid mission will be launched in 2022 to explore the dark Universe. Thales and ESA have announced the completion of the structural and thermal tests of the Euclid satellite using the STM model at the Thales Alenia Space's premises in Cannes, France. Integrated in near-flight configuration, including the payload and service modules, the satellite model is ready to undergo mechanical vibration tests in coming weeks.

The satellite model used in these tests (shown in the photo) is not the flight model, but contains flight-worthy spare parts. It is identical to the flight model mechanically. It allows engineers to apply extreme thermal and mechanical stresses during testing, without having to risk damaging the flight hardware.

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