Comet-chasing Probe To Be Roused From Sleep
One of the most ambitious missions in the history of space goes into high-risk mode on Monday.
Via AFP:
One of the most ambitious missions in the history of space goes into high-risk mode on Monday when Europe rouses a comet-chasing probe from years of hibernation.
"The most important alarm clock in the Solar System" will end the scout Rosetta's long slumber, gearing it for a historic rendezvous in deep space, the European Space Agency says.
Launched almost a decade ago, Rosetta is a billion-dollar bet to prise open the secrets of comets.
Clusters of ice and dust -- which explains their nickname of "dirty snowballs" -- comets are believed to be remnants from the very birth of our star ...