ROSETTA: The ESA sample return mission
Abstract
The 'Cornerstone Missions' of ESA's space science program, including the Solar Terrestrial Science Program (STSP), the X-Ray Multi-Mirror (XMM) mission, the Far Infrared Space Telescope (FIRST), and the Rosetta mission are introduced. Specific mission constraints for the Rosetta mission are outlined. The Rosetta mission scenarios are divided into the following seven phases: (1) launch and cruise to comet; (2) comet detection and approach; (3) comet observation; (4) descent and landing; (5) sampling operations; (6) take-off and return cruise; and (7) earth re-entry and recovery. The base-line spacecraft configuration--which is composed of three modules, cruiser, lander, and earth re-entry capsule--is shown. A brief summery of the spacecraft subsystems and the scientific payload is presented.
- Publication:
-
Future Space Activity Workshop: Lunar Base Workshop 1992
- Pub Date:
- July 1992
- Bibcode:
- 1992fsa..work.....D
- Keywords:
-
- Comets;
- Mission Planning;
- Payloads;
- Space Exploration;
- Space Probes;
- Space Rendezvous;
- Spacecraft Configurations;
- Spacecraft Design;
- European Space Programs;
- Spacecraft Components;
- Spacecraft Control;
- Spacecraft Equipment;
- Spacecraft Guidance;
- Spacecraft Orbits;
- Astronautics (General)