Estonian Deep-Space Camera 'OPIC' Embarks on Journey to Comet Mission

The OPIC optical periscope camera, Estonia's first deep-space scientific instrument, has departed Tartu Airport for Spain, en route to a mission to photograph a comet's nucleus. Assembled at Tartu Observatory, OPIC aims to provide insights into the solar system's formation and the origins of life. Unlike previous studies of periodic comets altered by the sun, this mission seeks images of a pristine comet on its first approach. After testing, OPIC will undergo further evaluation by the European Space Agency in Spain, with a potential 2028 launch. The camera will initially travel to the Earth-Sun L2 Lagrange point, awaiting a suitable comet for its groundbreaking observations.

This item announces a significant scientific endeavor, highlighting technological advancement and the pursuit of fundamental knowledge about the cosmos.