Rosetta select five possible places to land on the comet – the Newspaper

Monday, August 25, 2014 – 23.00 h

The European Space Agency (ESA), using information gathered in recent weeks by the probe Rosetta , incluyectos orographic, thermal, pressure, lighting and scientific interest factors, has finally chosen the five possible locations comet 67P / Churyumov-Gerasimenko in which the lander, called Philae , you would be able to land. The operation will take place next December .

The rocky core of the planet, which is about four kilometers long, consisting of two lobes you a curious way give a rubber ducky. In the major lobe two sites have preset, while in the lower three more. Each site has its advantages … and weaknesses.

In addition to the above characteristics, experts also took into account the orientation of the comet from the Sun and rotation, two key issues lighting circumstances

As reported by the ESA in a statement, the team has made a team meeting in Toulouse. The landing, the space agency argues, “must balance the technical needs of the orbiter ‘Rosetta’ and lander ‘Philae’ during all stages of separation and descent”. Moreover, communication must be taken into account during operations on the surface and have the scientific requirements of the 10 instruments ranging aboard small lander (100 kilos).

Provisional selection

According to the head of the mission of the lander, Stephan Ulamec , this is “the first landing sites that have been considered” 10-were-previously, which does not indicate that eventually you decide to change any. Even so, he adds, these selected sites offer “the best opportunity to study the composition, internal structure and activity of the comet with the 10 experiments ‘Philae.’”

For example, the place named as A , which looks like the favorite, is a seemingly flat region that is located in the major lobe, but with a good view of the smaller lobe. Site B is within a crater structure in the smaller lobe, also with flat terrain, which equals fewer problems upon landing. Despite this, the lighting conditions can be a problem when the scientific planning ‘Philae’ long term is considered.

On 14 September, ESA concludes, should be ready a comprehensive study of the five possible sites.