Rosetta correctly lined up for critical Mars swingby


Rosetta's Mars swingby
 
In this animation, Rosetta can be seen approaching Mars (red planet) and then swinging behind Mars with respect to Earth (blue planet) and the Sun (at centre), for a net reduction in velocity. Closest approach (250 km) is expected at 01:57:59.0 UTC, 25 February, +/- 1.3 seconds.

The animation clearly shows Rosetta swinging behind Mars to be eclipsed with respect to the Sun and occultated with respect to the Earth.

Communications blackout, eclipse as Rosetta passes behind Mars
 
Mars flyby
 
During the course of its journey to Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko, Rosetta is making use of several gravitational ‘kicks’: one at Mars on 25 February 2007 (250 km distance) and three at Earth: 4 March 2005 (1995 km distance), 13 November 2007 (5301 km distance) and 13 November 2009 (2500 km distance). Manoeuvres to correct Rosetta's orbit take place before and after each swing-by.



Release date: 28 September 2007