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Rosetta Achieves Orbit Around Comet
schwit1 (797399) writes with an update on the European Space Agency's comet-exploring craft Rosetta: "Rosetta has successfully achieved orbit around Comet 67P/C-G and has transmitted its first close up images. More information here (1) and here (2) about the rendezvous and what science the mission scientists plan to do as they orbit the comet." As pointed out earlier by reader Taco Cowboy, this is the fruit of a 10-year mission. Reuters points out
The mission performs several historical firsts, including the first time a spacecraft orbits a comet rather than just whizzing past to snap some fly-by pictures, and the first time a probe has landed on a comet. ... There is little flexibility in Rosetta's schedule this year. The comet is still hurtling toward the inner Solar System at almost 55,000 km per hour, and the closer it gets to the sun the more active it will become, emitting gases that can make it difficult to predict the trajectory of Rosetta and its probe.
"Rosetta and its probe"
What in the world is that supposed to mean? Sounds dirty.
I'm an American. I love this country and the freedoms that we used to have.
It was black as pitch on August the sixth
Half a billion kliks from the sun
I'd left Earth 'bout ten years ago
And was ready to have some fun
I'd buzzed past Mars and a coupla asteroids
And saw this comet goin' roun' and roun'
He says "Tin Can, this here's Rubber Duck
And I'm about to put the hammer down"
'Cause we got a little ol' convoy rockin' thru the night
Yeah, we got a little ol' convoy, ain't she a beautiful sight?
Come on and join our convoy, ain't nothin' gonna get in our way
We gonna roll this truckin' convoy 'cross the invariable plane
Convoyyyyy....
.
Prisencolinensinainciusol. Ol Rait!