Rosetta Lander—Philae: Implications of an alternative mission

Ulamec, S.; Espinasse, S.; Feuerbacher, B.; Hilchenbach, M.; Moura, D.; Rosenbauer, H.; Scheuerle, H.; Willnecker, R.

doi:10.1016/j.actaastro.2005.12.009

Cited by 44 publications

(13 citation statements)

References 5 publications

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“…The change of the target comet has a major impact on the Philae landing safety, since the expected touchdown velocity is higher than in the case of 46P/Wirtanen, due to the much larger size of P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko (Lamy et al, 2003). Some hardware changes have been implemented, to increase robustness at touch-down (Ulamec et al, 2006). However, the safe landing remains highly sensitive to actual nucleus properties, largely unknown at this time.…”

Section: Philae Mission Overviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Rosetta Lander (“Philae”) Investigations

et al. 2007

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The paper describes the Rosetta Lander named Philae and introduces its complement of scientific instruments. Philae was launched aboard the European Space Agency Rosetta spacecraft on 02 March 2004 and is expected to land and operate on the nucleus of 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko at a distance of about 3 AU from the Sun. Its overall mass is ∼98 kg (plus the support systems remaining on the Orbiter), including its scientific payload of ∼27 kg. It will operate autonomously, using the Rosetta Orbiter as a communication relay to Earth. The scientific goals of its experiments focus on elemental, isotopic, molecular and mineralogical composition of the cometary material, the characterization of physical properties of the surface and subsurface material, the large-scale structure and the magnetic and plasma environment of the nucleus. In particular, surface and sub-surface samples will be acquired and sequentially analyzed by a suite of instruments. Measurements will be performed primarily during descent and along the first five days following touch-down. Philae is designed to also operate on a long time-scale, to monitor the evolution of the nucleus properties. Philae is a very integrated project at system, science and management levels, provided by an international consortium. The Philae experiments have the potential of providing unique scientific outcomes, complementing by in situ ground truth the Rosetta Orbiter investigations.

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Section: Philae Mission Overviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Rosetta Lander (“Philae”) Investigations

et al. 2007

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“…The orbital and physical parameters also play an important role in the choice of a mission target. In the next sections, we discuss the rationales behind choosing Wilson-Harrington as the next small body missions, and make comparisons between 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko 4) , the target of the Rosetta mission launched by the European Space Agency (ESA), the target of the Hayabusa Follow-on mission, 1999 JU3, and Itokawa visited by Hayabusa in 2005. We also investigate the dynamics close to Wilson-Harrington and on the surface to provide the first assessment of this environment and to derive and discuss approach and proximity operation strategies useful for a sample return mission.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In fact, in order to achieve the minimum level of risk, the spacecraft would need to meet the cometary target beyond the solar system snow line, around 4 or 5 AU. The current ESA mission Rosetta with the Philae lander going to 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko has implemented this approach 4) .…”

Section: Rationales For Explorationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Orbital and Surface Dynamics for Proximity Operations and Sample Return Strategies at 4015 Wilson-Harrington

Bellerose

Yano

2010

AEROSPACE TECHNOLOGY JAPAN

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107P/4015 Wilson-Harrington is one of the most intriguing objects, being known for having a cometary history as well as Near Earth Object characteristics, which could answer questions regarding both the origin of life and formation and evolution of small bodies. We rst briey summarize the knowledge state of this small body, leading to its actual classication. We then look at its main dynamical characteristics to prepare for a near future rendezvous and sampling mission, and we make comparisons between the target of the Rosetta mission, 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko, for which the spacecraft is carrying a lander, and the targets of Hayabusa and of the Hayabusa Follow-on Mission, Itokawa and 1999 JU3. Finally, we investigate the local stability properties in both proximity of the target and on the surface, and show simulations, to discuss approach strategies.

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“…However, practical reality coupled with some changes in support from the relevant space agencies ultimately gave rise to the present mission. A complete overview of this can be found in [14] and some of the challenges posed by a launcher failure that preceded Rosetta are described in [15]. In principle, Rosetta is a two-part spacecraft consisting of the main 'orbiter' craft and a 100 kg 'lander' known as Philae [16].…”

Section: The Rosetta Space Missionmentioning

confidence: 99%

On the attempts to measure water (and other volatiles) directly at the surface of a comet

Wright

Sheridan

Morgan

et al. 2017

Phil. Trans. R. Soc. A.

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The Ptolemy instrument on the Philae lander (of the Rosetta space mission) was able to make measurements of the major volatiles, water, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide, directly at the surface of comet 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko. We give some background to the mission and highlight those instruments that have already given insights into the notion of water in comets, and which will continue to do so as more results are either acquired or more fully interpreted. On the basis of our results, we show how comets may in fact be heterogeneous over their surface, and how surface measurements can be used in a quest to comprehend the daily cycles of processes that affect the evolution of comets. This article is part of the themed issue ‘The origin, history and role of water in the evolution of the inner Solar System’.

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Rosetta Lander—Philae: Implications of an alternative mission

Cited by 44 publications

References 5 publications

The Rosetta Lander (“Philae”) Investigations

The Rosetta Lander (“Philae”) Investigations

Orbital and Surface Dynamics for Proximity Operations and Sample Return Strategies at 4015 Wilson-Harrington

On the attempts to measure water (and other volatiles) directly at the surface of a comet

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