the Rosetta Probe, which for more than two years spread out around the nucleus of comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko and brought us a lot of information about her, she finished the last stage of his mission. About CH 22:48 GMT launched on 208 seconds the engine to steer in the direction of this space rock. The crash occurred at 12:39, however, since the radio signal goes out for about 40 minutes, about the end of the mission we learned about h 13:19.
Rosetta was not ready for planting, so she had no chance after contact with the surface of 67P would still work. Therefore, all devices were disconnected just before the meeting, in case the probe would be reflected from the surface and out into space. Analysis of the mission control center pointed out, however, already before, that such a reflection is in this case unlikely.
the Decision about what Rosetta will finally land on the surface of the comet’s nucleus was taken after a thorough analysis of its operation and evaluation that is not able to survived the period of greatest distance of the comet from the Sun. 67P has already reached the orbit of Jupiter, and she was so far away that the solar batteries are not supplied Rosetcie suitable quantities of energy. In addition, since October during the month, the Earth and the comet were on opposite sides of the Sun, making it impossible any communication including data transfer.
Extortion is already falling now and collect up to the last moment all possible data, therefore, was the best solution. Scientists rely on information, what tools, probes have gathered about the nucleus, especially in photos, as well as the results of studies of gas and dust. This should complement data collected by the lander Philae that mission in the context of problems with the landing only lasted about 60 hours.
the nucleus of the comet 67P resembles a rubber duck, it consists of two parts. Rosetta exhausted in the area of the MA at its “head.” Chose it for several reasons. First, there are many interesting formations, which during the approach of the comet to the Sun singled out a lot of dust and gas scientists want them to understand. Secondly, upon approaching the probe to the surface the area was lit and set in the direction of the Earth, which caused, making photos and send them to the mission control center.
the Time of planting was installed with a precision of two minutes, also the approximate landing site. This is because the irregular shapes of the nucleus, just like gravitational field near it greatly complicates any calculations.
the Decision about what research tools will remain included in the last phase of the flight required an accurate assessment of available solar energy. There is no doubt that the piece of equipment will need to disable, because for all tools and sensor reporting data to the Earth energy is not enough. In the end, was disabled tools COSIMA, MIDAS and VIRTIS.
/SA/Rosetta/MPS for OSIRIS Team MPS/UPD/LAM/IAA/SSO/INTA/UPM/DASP/IDA /materials, press releases
Working at the last moment tools Rosetta had to transmit information, even 20 5 metres above the surface of the comet’s nucleus. The OSIRIS camera performed high-resolution imagery, in this case – because it was not planned this phase of the mission – their way has ceased to be sharp for the mile (in the case of the camera długoogniskowej) and 200-300 meters (in the case of wide angle camera) from falling.
ROSINA collected data on the density and composition of gas around the comet. MIRO performed the measurement of the surface temperature. GIADA studied the dust density, and a method in which the particles are emitted from the surface. The RPC tool to control the plasma and the smallest particles of dust, which will help in the study of the impact of the solar wind with the surface of the nucleus of 67P. Alice made an image of the emission spectrum of the surface, the RSI made accurate measurements of the gravitational field.
/ESA/Rosetta/MPS for OSIRIS Team MPS/UPD/LAM/IAA/SSO/INTA/UPM/DASP/IDA /materials, press releases
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