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Rosetta Orbiter Concept Artist's concept of Rosetta Orbiter

Rosetta Orbiter Concept Artist's concept of Rosetta Orbiter

Instrument Details Instrument details
Microwave Instrument on the Rosetta Orbiter

Overview:
This JPL instrument will study gases given off by comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko as the European Space Agency's Rosetta spacecraft orbits the comet during its swing through the inner solar system.

The instrument will measure the amounts of carbon monoxide, ammonia, methanol and oxygen leaving the comet, which will show how the different comet materials change from ice to gas, and will help determine temperature changes as the comet approaches the Sun.

Mission Details:
Purpose: Instrument on comet orbiter

Fast Facts:
Launch: March 2, 2004
Comet Rendezvous: 2014



Related Links:
+ Instrument home page
+ Rosetta home page