Comet-Chaser Rosetta Ready For Launch

Karl Kennedy writes "Europe's Rosetta space mission, which aims to chase and then land on a comet, is standing by for lift-off in French Guiana. Once up in space, Rosetta will be placed in orbit around Earth before departing for the outer Solar System. In 2014, Rosetta will reach the comet and deliver a lander to its surface. The probe will perform three close fly-bys of the Earth and one of Mars in "slingshot" manoeuvres that will use the planets' gravity to help the probe build up speed."

Comments

Godspeed, little probe.

[TwistedGreen]

The engineering effort for something like this must be amazing. To launch this thing from Earth and have it eventually land on a moving comet... so much could go wrong.

But I hope for the best, and I hope that the scientists involved discover what they're looking for. Onward and upward, in the name of discovery. Missions like these are what will truly benefit our understanding, a little bit at a time.

Re:Finally

[Cecil]

Comet says, "Oh, I see! This delivery of water was supposed to refresh the supply of water a few hundred thousand years for your neighbor, Mars. Oh, you say he's dead now? That's terrible! There must've been some mix-up when I went into orbit. I'm very sorry to bother you folks. I'll be on my way, then."

Seriously though, it really will be an impressive feat if they are able to land this probe on something so small, eccentric and fast-moving. I wish them the best of luck.

Slingshots and speed

[Quill_28]

Am I know physicist, but how does 'slingshotting' help a object gain speed?

Wouldn't it just change the direction not the speed of the object?

I think I should be quoting vectors, velocity, and some energy law but I think you understand the question.

speed?

[hutkey]

i hope this happens as planned, my best wishes are with the people who have spent years developing this amazing transporter. isn't the speed of the comet pretty high(very high, infact, Hale Bopp speed = 200 000 km pr hour in the inner core of solar system) how does Rosetta will be able to handle the tremendous speed. and the urface temparature o the comet when she starts orbitting

Hmmm...

[Bob Vila's Hammer]

News on any front about a new mission to investigate another interesting part of our solar system is good these days - even if it will take place ten years from now.

I wonder what kind of space faring adventures we'll be seeing in the mean time and during this ambitious project when it finally achieves its goal? I hope, like I hope for the success of this great mission, that all is well and still inspired. Go ESA!