Rosetta space mission to Comet 67P/Churyumov−Gerasimenko

Abstract

On March 2, 2004 Rosetta space mission successfully started from the Kourou cosmodrom to Comet 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko. Upon entering orbit around the nucleus observations will be made as the comet becomes more active as it journeys towards the Sun. A lander, named Philae, will be deployed and attempt to make the first ever controlled landing on a comet. On its 10 year journey Rosetta will fly-by two asteroids, namely, 2867 Steins in September 2008 and 21 Lutethia in July 2010. Rosetta will be the first spacecraft to orbit a comet’s nucleus. It will be the first spacecraft to fly alongside a comet as it heads towards the inner Solar System. Rosetta will be the first spacecraft to examine from close proximity how a frozen comet is transformed by the warmth of the Sun. Shortly after its arrival at Comet 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko, the Rosetta orbiter will despatch a robotic lander for the first controlled touchdown on a comet nucleus. The Rosetta lander’s instruments will obtain the first images from a comet’s surface and make the first in situ analysis of the relict matter of the Solar System.