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The launch kicked off a ten-year journey to comet 67P/Churyumon-Gerasimenko. The probe has since launch has successfully separated from the upper stage of the Ariane rocket and has started its journey in earnest.
On board the satellite are a large orbiter and a small lander, each carrying scientific instruments capable of performing the most detailed study of a comet ever attempted.
In 2014 Rosetta will enter into orbit around the comet and will release the lander Philae to the surface. This will be the first ever spacecraft to land on a comet.
By studying comet 67P/Churyumon-Gerasimenko in great detail, Rosetta seeks to unveil the as yet unknown young Solar system. Comets preserve the conditions of the Solar system when it was young, thus their study could reveal the early history of the Solar System.
The mission is named after the Rosetta stone, which provided the key to deciphering Egyptian hieroglyphics. In analogy, the Rosetta mission is expected to unveil the mysteries of comets as well as the history of the Solar System.
More info: Space Now
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