Rosetta spacecraft

Rosetta’s Lander Philae Touches Down on Comet…

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Rosetta’s Lander Philae Touches Down on Comet

Early this morning, the European Space Agency’s Rosetta spacecraft deployed its comet lander, “Philae.” At 11:03 a.m. EST, ESA confirmed that signals were received from Philae on the surface of comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko. It is the first time in history that a spacecraft has landed on a comet. Rosetta is an international mission led by the ESA, with instruments provided by its member states, and additional support and instruments provided by NASA.
> LIVE: ESA’s Rosetta Coverage

 

SOURCE:::www.nasa.gov

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Image of the Day…Comet 67p as Captured by Rosetta Spacecraft !!!

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Rosetta’s comet is spouting jets

Wow! The Rosetta spacecraft is now seeing jets from Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko, as the comet draws in closer to the sun.

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As Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko gets closer to the sun, it’s becoming more active. The European Space Agency’s Rosetta spacecraft – which has been flying in tandem with the comet since August 6 – captured the images to make the above montage on September 26, 2014, when Rosetta was 16 miles (26 kilometers) from the comet. The montage shows jets of dust and gas escaping from the neck of 67P/C-G.
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Rosetta spent 10 years on a deep-space chase of this comet, which will reach its perihelion, closest point to the sun, in July 2015.

This November, the Rosetta spacecraft will send a probe down to land on the surface of this active comet!

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