Kepler space telescope
The Kepler space telescope was a NASA observatory launched to detect planets around other stars by monitoring changes in their brightness.
Also known as: Kepler observatory, Kepler telescope
How big is it?
4.7 m · overall observatory height
Overall observatory height · specified
Typical recorded range: 4.5 m to 4.8 m.

A little perspective
Kepler space telescope vs Giraffe: height comparison
The height of a giraffe is about 1.06 times the overall observatory height of the Kepler space telescope.
The Kepler space telescope was a NASA observatory launched to detect planets around other stars by monitoring changes in their brightness.
A giraffe is an African mammal distinguished by its extremely long neck and legs, feeding mainly on tree leaves.
Both rulers start at the same zero and share one linear scale. Artwork keeps its original proportions. Horizontal rulers compare the selected spans; vertical brackets also identify height on the artwork.
Measurements, assumptions & sources +
Kepler space telescope
Overall observatory height: 4.7 m; specified; range 4.5 m–4.8 m.
NASA’s Kepler observatory was about 4.7 m high and had a launch mass of 1,052 kg. The height includes the deployed sunshade but not an imagined launch vehicle.
NASA — Kepler mission in depth
The marked overall observatory height is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Giraffe
Height: 5 m; defined specimen.
A chosen adult male at 5 m standing height and 1,000 kg. Species, sex and age affect both measurements.
The marked height is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Use the visual comparison to explore its scale, then check the measurements and sources.
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Why this measurement?
Why we use 4.7 m
We compare the overall observatory height of the Kepler space telescope. This value follows a stated specification; check its scope in the notes. The recorded range is 4.5 m to 4.8 m.
NASA’s Kepler observatory was about 4.7 m high and had a launch mass of 1,052 kg. The height includes the deployed sunshade but not an imagined launch vehicle.
The marked vertical span follows the measured feature, not the edges of the image. How calibrated comparisons work →
Recorded properties
Dimensions and measurements
| Property | Selected value | Recorded range | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.7 m | 4.5 m to 4.8 m | specified | |
| 1.052 t | Not recorded | specified |
Around this scale
Explore nearby values.
Compare examples with lower, similar and higher values. Each card names the measurement being compared.
Nearest lower valuePlanets, moons and spaceGaia spacecraft3.5 mApproximate observatory heightGaia is a European Space Agency observatory designed to map the positions and motions of stars in the Milky Way.
Around the same scaleVehicles and transportFamily car4.5 mLengthA family car is a motor vehicle designed to carry several passengers and their belongings.
Nearest higher valueEveryday objectsParking space4.8 mLengthA parking space is an allocated spot intended for temporarily leaving a car or other vehicle, commonly found in public or private parking areas.Sources and method
Want to check the number?
The source records and measurement method remain available for inspection.
- NASA — Kepler mission in depthObservatory configuration, telescope design and launch mass.
There’s always another scale





