The probe “Rosetta” ESA tomorrow will complete its 10th flight for the first time in the history of the land on one of the most distant comets of the solar system – 7P / Churyumov-Gerasimenko. Special module unit must “catch” the cosmic body harpoons to photograph it and get the dust samples, plasma and gas. Astronomers believe that comets, which is 500 million kilometers from Earth, can be water and alien life forms, writes The Guardian.
The spacecraft was launched to comet March 2, 2004 year. In ESA stated that the main objective of the program “Rosetta” – definition of kernel parameters space body, investigation of its chemical composition, as well as changes in its activity with time. The gravitational force of the comet is so small that the probe will likely not be able to just sit on it, so it will have to cling to the surface of the outer body harpoons. The probe not only sends images of the comet to Earth, but it will drill into the ground to a depth of 20 cm to study the composition of its surface.
According to the calculations, the descent module “Rosetta”, which works on solar batteries will function only for three days. W DME landing at a point at the head of the comet, which has already been nicknamed the space “point J”.
In this case, experts said, that the landing on the “plot J” carries a serious risk to the machine, and the mission itself has no guarantees of success. However, the scientists, this fact does not bother. “If you are not willing to take the risk, you should not go into exploration” , – said the head of the flight Andrea Akkomazzo.
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