The ESA are expecting to have all four images in 2012, after which scientists will get the first image of the universe of its kind and to help us understand how the Big Bang occurred and identify the cosmic signature of the period called "inflation" – a time  just after which saw the incredibly fast expansion of the universe.

Until then ESA plan to digitally remove the interference in the image caused by the Milky Way's emission in order to see the rest of the key background radiation traces.

Space still remains something of a mystery; but one thing's for sure, it's one of the most incredible sights ever. Here we take a look at some of the greatest views of our home from up there by Nasa astronaut Leroy Chaio.