ESA spacecraft Gaia releases the best Milky Way map before shutting down after 12 years

ESA spacecraft Gaia (Image: ESA/Canva)

The European Space Agency’s Gaia spacecraft has officially ended its mission to map the Milky Way after 12 years of data collection. The spacecraft shut down its science operations on January 15, 2025, due to running low on propellant.

Launched in December 2013, Gaia spent years collecting vital data on almost 2 billion stars. The spacecraft’s mission was to create the largest 3D map of the Milky Way, providing insight into star motions, luminosities, and compositions.

The best Milky Way map, by Gaia (Image: ESA)

The spacecraft’s final release of data is not far off. Gaia Data Release 4 (GR4) is expected by mid-2026. Scientists anticipate that GR4 will surpass previous releases in terms of data quality and volume. After all data is downloaded, scientists will begin processing for Gaia Data Release 5 (GR5), which will be released in the late 2020s.

Despite ceasing its data-gathering phase, Gaia’s legacy is far from over. Researchers will continue to use Gaia's data for years to come. Topics such as binary stars and black holes will be explored using the data collected over a decade.

In the meantime, Gaia will serve as a test subject to refine spacecraft control. It will remain in a stable orbit known as Lagrange point 2 (L2), where it will stay for several weeks before being moved to its final orbit. The spacecraft will then be placed in a position that will prevent interference with other missions.