Rosetta interplanetary station performs a series of maneuvers to reset the speed

The automatic interplanetary station Rosetta, directed to the comet Churyumov-Gerasimenko to study this object, is currently performing maneuvers to reset the speed, with a view to further convergence with the comet. The speed reset is done in order to synchronize the speeds of the comet and the station, otherwise Rosetta can “slip” past the comet, and then the device will be lost to science.



For braking using the engine start, it was planned to hold 3 main inclusions with the combustion of a significant amount of fuel (from 200 kg and above), and 6 small inclusions. Two main inclusions have been successfully completed (May 20 and June 4), and the last “large” inclusion is scheduled for June 18.

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After the first start of the engine, the device dropped speed to 1046 kilometers per hour, after the second - to 975 kilometers per hour. The initial speed of the interplanetary station was 2714 km / h. When approaching a comet, the relative velocity of the vehicle should be 3.6 km / h. This should happen in early August, when Rosetta approaches the comet 100 kilometers.



It is worth noting that the scientific equipment of the station gradually enters the working mode, and so far everything runs smoothly .



The Rosetta station itself was launched into space in 2004, spent several years in "suspended animation", not so long ago came out of hibernation, and is now in operation.



Via esa