Menu
02/03/2004
Rosetta sets off on journey to first cometary landing
The European Space Agency has confirmed that the Rosetta cometary probe has been successfully launched into an orbit around the Sun.
The elongated slingshot orbit will eventually allow the probe to reach the comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko in 2014 after three flybys of the Earth and one of Mars. During this 10-year journey, the probe will pass close to at least one asteroid.
Rosetta is the first probe ever designed to enter orbit around a comet’s nucleus and release a lander onto its surface. If all goes according to plan, over the course of a year the probe will conduct a thorough study of the fragment of the primitive nebula which gave birth to our solar system some five billion years ago.
Rosetta is the first mission designed to both orbit and land on a comet and the spacecraft will conduct eleven scientific experiments to complete the most detailed study of a comet ever attempted.
Named after the famous Rosetta stone that led to the deciphering of Egyptian hieroglyphics almost 200 years ago, scientists hope the spacecraft will unlock the mysteries of how the Solar System evolved, by studying what are considered the most primitive objects, remnants of the formation of the solar system.
Although Rosetta's original target was Comet Wirtanen, this planned encounter had to be abandoned following the failure of the Ariane-5 launcher system with the loss of two spacecraft in December 2002, which prompted a decision not to launch Rosetta on schedule.
In May 2003 a new target comet and launch date for Rosetta were selected - comet, Churyumov-Gerasimenko.
The total cost of the ambitious ESA mission is put at one thousand million Euros, the ESA said that the launch delay alone cost 70 million Euros.
(SP)
The elongated slingshot orbit will eventually allow the probe to reach the comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko in 2014 after three flybys of the Earth and one of Mars. During this 10-year journey, the probe will pass close to at least one asteroid.
Rosetta is the first probe ever designed to enter orbit around a comet’s nucleus and release a lander onto its surface. If all goes according to plan, over the course of a year the probe will conduct a thorough study of the fragment of the primitive nebula which gave birth to our solar system some five billion years ago.
Rosetta is the first mission designed to both orbit and land on a comet and the spacecraft will conduct eleven scientific experiments to complete the most detailed study of a comet ever attempted.
Named after the famous Rosetta stone that led to the deciphering of Egyptian hieroglyphics almost 200 years ago, scientists hope the spacecraft will unlock the mysteries of how the Solar System evolved, by studying what are considered the most primitive objects, remnants of the formation of the solar system.
Although Rosetta's original target was Comet Wirtanen, this planned encounter had to be abandoned following the failure of the Ariane-5 launcher system with the loss of two spacecraft in December 2002, which prompted a decision not to launch Rosetta on schedule.
In May 2003 a new target comet and launch date for Rosetta were selected - comet, Churyumov-Gerasimenko.
The total cost of the ambitious ESA mission is put at one thousand million Euros, the ESA said that the launch delay alone cost 70 million Euros.
(SP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
26 February 2004
Weather delays ESA comet chaser launch
The European Space Agency (ESA) has confirmed this morning that the launch of Flight 158 with the Rosetta spacecraft has been put on hold for 24 hours due to adverse weather at its launch facility in Kourou, French Guiana.
Weather delays ESA comet chaser launch
The European Space Agency (ESA) has confirmed this morning that the launch of Flight 158 with the Rosetta spacecraft has been put on hold for 24 hours due to adverse weather at its launch facility in Kourou, French Guiana.
28 November 2012
More Comet Closures Confirmed
A further 125 Comet stores will close by the end of the year if a firm offer for the whole business is not made, administrators Deloitte have confirmed. Around 5,000 jobs are in jeopardy. Further stores will begin closing in December with just 70 stores of the original 236 remaining open until final stock is sold.
More Comet Closures Confirmed
A further 125 Comet stores will close by the end of the year if a firm offer for the whole business is not made, administrators Deloitte have confirmed. Around 5,000 jobs are in jeopardy. Further stores will begin closing in December with just 70 stores of the original 236 remaining open until final stock is sold.
01 November 2012
Comet 'Close To Administration'
Electricals retailer Comet is set to file a notice to appoint administrators, according to reports. The company is expected to file the notice and appoint Deloitte as potential administrator, Reuters reports. The jobs of 6,500 staff in 240 stores are at risk.
Comet 'Close To Administration'
Electricals retailer Comet is set to file a notice to appoint administrators, according to reports. The company is expected to file the notice and appoint Deloitte as potential administrator, Reuters reports. The jobs of 6,500 staff in 240 stores are at risk.
14 January 2005
European joy as Huygens probe lands on Titan
The European-built Huygens probe has successfully landed on Titan, penetrating the thick, orange-coloured clouds that have until now prevented scientists observing details of the moon's surface. The first scientific data to reach Earth arrived at the European Space Operations Centre (ESOC) in Germany at around 16:30 GMT today.
European joy as Huygens probe lands on Titan
The European-built Huygens probe has successfully landed on Titan, penetrating the thick, orange-coloured clouds that have until now prevented scientists observing details of the moon's surface. The first scientific data to reach Earth arrived at the European Space Operations Centre (ESOC) in Germany at around 16:30 GMT today.
06 October 2015
Murder Probe Launched Following Man's Death In Leeds
A murder investigation has been launched following the death of a man in Leeds. Officers were called to Moorfield Avenue, Armley at 9:21pm on 05 October following reports of a man on the street in distress. During a search of the area, officers discovered a 27-year-old man in Back Moorfield Terrace with serious head injuries.
Murder Probe Launched Following Man's Death In Leeds
A murder investigation has been launched following the death of a man in Leeds. Officers were called to Moorfield Avenue, Armley at 9:21pm on 05 October following reports of a man on the street in distress. During a search of the area, officers discovered a 27-year-old man in Back Moorfield Terrace with serious head injuries.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
