Rosetta Stone

Comet 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko, 405 million km from Earth. Animated images returned by the ESA Rosetta space craft. Credits: ESA Rosetta

In August 2014 and after a decade long game of chase, the Rosetta spacecraft reached its target - the periodic comet 67/Churyumov-Gerasimenko. The above animation, based on images returned from the spacecraft, shows the nucleus of the comet growing larger as the comet and craft approach ever closer.

Rosetta will spend some time achieving a decreasing orbit around the nucleus. During this process of deceleration the on board sensors will work to determine a safe place on which to land  a package of scientific instruments (Philae lander - anticipated deployment 11 November).

The comet, currently somewhere between Jupiter and Mars is rushing towards the inner solar system at a speed of 5500km/hour. Rosetta and Philae hope to stay with the comet as it nears the sun, starts to heat up from its current surface temperature of -70C and grows a tail. Closest approach to the Sun in August 2015.

I am so impressed with the scale of this magnificent scientific and engineering achievement! Well done ESA.
I am very proud to be European.

For more information visit:
http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Space_Science/Rosetta/Rosetta_arrives_at_comet_destination