ESA will not launch for the moment Rosetta

2003/01/15 Galarraga Aiestaran, Ana - Elhuyar Zientzia

• Astronautika
• Astronomia

It was sent to the Rosetta comet through an Ariane-5 spacecraft.

To carry out this project, it took ten years to carry it out and, finally, they have been frustrated. And on December 11, when one of the modern Ariane rockets was launched, it exploded. It seems that the explosion occurred by an acate in one of the engines, but the investigations have not finished and, before all that happened, they do not want to send to Rosetta. Bear in mind that Rosetta has cost one billion euros and, of course, they do not want to jeopardize the jewel that has cost so much money.

But the prolongation of the research on Ariane greatly conditions Rosetta's project: If you are not sent to Rosetta in January, you will not arrive in time for your appointment with the comet. Apparently, on the journey to the comet, it should have the help of Mars and the gravity of the Earth, and if they send it out of time, it has not properly joined the planets and cannot take advantage of its strength.

Everything points out that Rosetta will not be able to reach the heart of Wirtan's comet. However, they do not want to leave the project and look for Wirtanen's alternative. They have not yet chosen the right kite, but say they have two or three options. Although the project will be delayed at least one year, it is considered that the wait is worth it, since otherwise all the work done so far would be useless.

Rosetta to the heart of the comet

Rosetta has a module on the nucleus of the comet.

According to astronomers, comets are one of the oldest objects in the solar system, so their study allows them to know how the solar system was in its beginnings. In fact, 4.6 million years ago, dust and gas were collectively formed in the interstellar space. Since then, on Earth and the rest of the planets there have been many geological, chemical and biological changes. However, in some asteroids and comets, matter has remained as at the beginning of the solar system.

Rosetta is designed to reveal the secrets of comets. His purposes were to approach the comet, analyze its characteristics and place a module on the nucleus of the comet. This module could collect specific samples and data from it. It was not, therefore, any intention. Even if it is not possible with Wirtanen's comet, see if you get to the heart of another comet!