Date
Rosetta is set to complete its historic mission in a controlled descent to the surface of its comet on 30 September, with the end of mission confirmation predicted to be within 20 minutes of 11:20 GMT (13:20 CEST).
Details of how, when and where to follow the key moments online, starting with a review of the mission’s impressive haul of science highlights on 29 September, can be found here.
Rosetta
In November 1993, the International Rosetta Mission was approved as a Cornerstone Mission in ESA's Horizons 2000 Science Programme. Scientists and engineers from all over Europe and the United States built an orbiter and a lander for this unique expedition to unravel the secrets of a mysterious 'mini' ice world – a comet. The adventure began March 2004, when a European Ariane 5 rocket lifted off from Kourou in French Guiana.
During a circuitous ten-year trek across the Solar System, Rosetta crossed the asteroid belt and travelled into deep space, more than five times Earth’s distance from the Sun. Its destination was a periodic comet known as Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko.The Rosetta orbiter rendezvoused with Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko and remained in close proximity to the icy nucleus as it plunges towards the warmer inner reaches of the Sun’s domain. At the same time, a small lander was released onto the surface of this mysterious cosmic iceberg.
ESA news
Rosetta website
Rosetta on ServiAstro
Details of how, when and where to follow the key moments online, starting with a review of the mission’s impressive haul of science highlights on 29 September, can be found here.
Rosetta
In November 1993, the International Rosetta Mission was approved as a Cornerstone Mission in ESA's Horizons 2000 Science Programme. Scientists and engineers from all over Europe and the United States built an orbiter and a lander for this unique expedition to unravel the secrets of a mysterious 'mini' ice world – a comet. The adventure began March 2004, when a European Ariane 5 rocket lifted off from Kourou in French Guiana.
During a circuitous ten-year trek across the Solar System, Rosetta crossed the asteroid belt and travelled into deep space, more than five times Earth’s distance from the Sun. Its destination was a periodic comet known as Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko.The Rosetta orbiter rendezvoused with Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko and remained in close proximity to the icy nucleus as it plunges towards the warmer inner reaches of the Sun’s domain. At the same time, a small lander was released onto the surface of this mysterious cosmic iceberg.
ESA news
Rosetta website
Rosetta on ServiAstro
