Private space telescope Mauve records its first star observation

Blue Skies Space's Mauve satellite captured a five-second visible and ultraviolet observation of the star eta Ursa Majoris on Feb. 9, and the company says science operations and data delivery will begin after instrument checks are completed.

The Mauve space telescope has released its first measurements after launching in November aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9. The suitcase-sized observatory is operated by London-based Blue Skies Space, a University College London spin-out, and is the first in a planned fleet of small commercial telescopes offering observing time to scientific teams. After months of instrument checks, Mauve recorded a five-second observation of the star eta Ursa Majoris on Feb. 9 in visible and ultraviolet wavelengths. Ultraviolet measurements can reveal stellar flares and other activity that may affect planets around nearby stars. Key facts: - Mauve is a suitcase-sized satellite that launched in November on a SpaceX Falcon 9 and was developed by teams in Hungary, the Netherlands, Italy and Latvia. - On Feb. 9 Mauve captured a five-second visible and ultraviolet observation of eta Ursa Majoris, a star about 104 light-years away that is bright in ultraviolet light and hotter than the sun. - Blue Skies Space said the mission is expected to begin delivering scientific data within about two weeks, once instrument checks and verification are complete, and then move into formal science operations. - Research institutions from the United States, Japan and several European countries have already subscribed to observing time on the mission. - Revenue from Mauve is intended to help fund a follow-on mission called Twinkle, and the company is working with the Italian Space Agency on a concept for a lunar-orbit radio-measurement constellation. Summary: Mauve's initial observation demonstrates a commercial approach to providing targeted ultraviolet measurements of nearby stars to study stellar activity relevant to exoplanet environments. The mission plans to start delivering scientific data within weeks and the satellite is expected to operate in Earth orbit for at least three years. Institutions worldwide have already arranged observing time and the program's income is intended to support development of further commercial science missions.