Post by glactus on Aug 16, 2011 3:05:08 GMT
Rosetta is a robotic spacecraft of the European Space Agency on a mission to study the comet 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko. Rosetta consists of two main elements: the Rosetta space probe and the Philae lander. The spacecraft was launched on 2 March 2004 on an Ariane V rocket and will reach the comet by mid 2014. The space probe is intended to orbit and perform long-term exploration of the comet at close quarters.
the Rosetta spacecraft
On 10 November 2014 the Philae lander will attempt to land and perform detailed investigations on the comet's surface. Both the probe and the lander carry a large complement of scientific experiments designed to complete the most detailed study of a comet ever attempted.
The Comet 67P/Churvumov-Gerasimenko
The probe is named after the Rosetta Stone, as it is hoped the mission will help unlock the secrets of how our solar system looked before planets formed. The lander is named after the Nile island Philae where an obelisk was found that helped decipher the Rosetta Stone.
The Philae lander
The spacecraft has already performed two successful asteroid flyby missions on its way to the comet. The craft completed its fly-by of asteroid 2867 Å teins in September 2008and of 21 Lutetia in July 2010, and is presently in hibernation and on-target for its final destination as of June 2011
Credits: Text by Wikipedia
Space art by Glactus
the Rosetta spacecraft
On 10 November 2014 the Philae lander will attempt to land and perform detailed investigations on the comet's surface. Both the probe and the lander carry a large complement of scientific experiments designed to complete the most detailed study of a comet ever attempted.
The Comet 67P/Churvumov-Gerasimenko
The probe is named after the Rosetta Stone, as it is hoped the mission will help unlock the secrets of how our solar system looked before planets formed. The lander is named after the Nile island Philae where an obelisk was found that helped decipher the Rosetta Stone.
The Philae lander
The spacecraft has already performed two successful asteroid flyby missions on its way to the comet. The craft completed its fly-by of asteroid 2867 Å teins in September 2008and of 21 Lutetia in July 2010, and is presently in hibernation and on-target for its final destination as of June 2011
Credits: Text by Wikipedia
Space art by Glactus