It's only rarely that solar system exploration makes the mainstream news. Ask the person in the street which spacecraft are exploring our celestial neighbours and it's doubtful that you'd get an answer, and even if you did it's probable that nobody you ask would be able to tell you what is being discovered nor its significance. Which, considering that some of these spacecraft are making monumental discoveries about the solar system and its history, is a real shame. So, help to dispel that ignorance with this Science File guide to the spacecraft currently exploring the solar system!
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Rosetta |
| Origin of Name: | Named after the famous Rosetta Stone, which finally allowed archaeologists to decipher ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics. In the same way, it is hoped that the spacecraft will allow astronomers to unlock the secrets of comets. |
| Country / Organisation | European Space Agency |
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Exploring |
Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko |
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Launch Date: |
2nd March 2004 |
| Arrival Date: | 22nd May 2014 |
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Duration of Mission: |
May 2014 - December 2015 |
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Mission Description: |
ESA's Rosetta spacecraft will be the first to undertake the long-term exploration of a comet at close quarters. It comprises a large orbiter, which is designed to operate for a decade at large distances from the Sun, and a small lander. Each of these carries a large complement of scientific experiments designed to complete the most detailed study of a comet ever attempted. Key Dates:
First Earth swing-by 4 March 2005
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