Operations Manager Micha Schmidt adds, “I’m relieved to say that initial tests are looking good. We’re finding many more stars in all our tests, and while it’s too early to celebrate and more observations are needed, the signs are very encouraging.”

The updated software has already passed with flying colours on a spacecraft simulator and ‘test bench’ (Euclid replica) at mission control, then performed perfectly in orbit and will next be tested under the control of the Science Operations Centre at ESA’s ESAC Astronomy Centre in Spain.

“Obviously, this is where we will have the real test of truth, as only the science images can provide us with absolute certainty that Euclid’s pointing is performing well,” cautions Euclid Project Manager, Giuseppe Racca.

“However, all evidence so far makes us very optimistic. We will continue to keep our fingers tightly crossed, but the restart of the performance verification phase gets nearer every day.”