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Gaia Spacecraft Powers Down After Mapping Two Billion Stars

3/28/2025

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Summary

Story summary

After more than ten years of groundbreaking exploration, the European Space Agency has officially powered down its Gaia spacecraft on March 27, 2025. This remarkable mission mapped nearly two billion stars, crafting an unparalleled 3D portrait of the Milky Way. While Gaia may be silent, its invaluable data will echo through astrophysics for years to come, with new insights expected in 2026 and 2030.

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Story summary

After more than ten years of groundbreaking exploration, the European Space Agency has officially powered down its Gaia spacecraft on March 27, 2025. This remarkable mission mapped nearly two billion stars, crafting an unparalleled 3D portrait of the Milky Way. While Gaia may be silent, its invaluable data will echo through astrophysics for years to come, with new insights expected in 2026 and 2030.