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.
A Mission That Shaped Our Understanding of the Cosmos
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 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.
Read Also: 'Hidden highways in space': Astronomers discover 'cosmic tunnels' linking galaxies and Solar System
Gaia’s Legacy Continues
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.
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