The final descent of the Rosetta mission to comet 67P
In short: As the Rosetta spacecraft approaches the end of its mission, it is capturing unprecedentedly close views of the comet's surface, documenting a landscape in constant motion.
Following its rendezvous with comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko over two years ago, the ESA spacecraft is now preparing for a final spiral descent. The video details recent observations made as the orbiter approached the comet's surface, reaching distances of up to three kilometres. These close-up views have revealed significant geological changes, such as a ten tonne boulder shifting by 140 metres, likely triggered by activity during perihelion.
The mission is scheduled to conclude on 30 September, when Rosetta will descend toward a landing site on the comet's duck-shaped head, performing scientific observations and imaging until the very end.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Rosetta: the end is in sight
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