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Rosetta's scientific 'first' - observation of Comet Linear   Image of Comet C/2002 T7 (LINEAR) showing a pronounced nucleus and a section of the tenuous tail extending over about 2 million kilometres. It was obtained by the OSIRIS camera on board Rosetta in blue light from a distance of about 95 million kilometres on 30 April 2004.  OSIRIS (Optical, Spectroscopic, and Infrared Remote Imaging System): A Wide-Angle Camera and a Narrow-Angle Camera to obtain high-resolution images of asteroids, the comet nucleus and to help in identifying the best landing sites. The orbiter's scientific payload includes 11 experiments, in addition to the lander. Scientific consortia from institutes across Europe and the United States have provided these state-of-the-art instruments. All of them are located on the side of the spacecraft that will permanently face the comet during the main scientific phase of the mission.  An artist’s impression of Rosetta and its Philae lander approaching the target comet. Rosetta’s 11-year expedition began in March 2004, with an Ariane 5 launch from Kourou in French Guiana, and the spacecraft was then sent towards the outer Solar System. The long journey includes three gravity assists at Earth (2004, 2007, 2009), one at Mars (2007), and two asteroid encounters: (2867) Steins (2008) and (21) Lutetia (2010).
Rosetta will reach Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko in 2014, and will be the first mission ever to orbit a comet’s nucleus and to deliver a lander, called Philae, on its surface. Release date: 28 May 2004 |