Rosetta probe is now only two days away from target

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ROSETTA UPDATE: The European Space Agency's Rosetta probe is now only two days away from target Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko. 67P is so close, in fact, that even Rosetta's relatively low-resolution navigation camera is able to take startlingly-crisp images of the comet's core.



The spacecraft was 300 km from the comet when it took this picture. 67P has a varied and interesting terrain that will surely pose challenges to mission planners who are trying to figure out where Rosetta's comet-lander, Philae, will touch down in November. It's a good problem to have!

First though, Rosetta must reach the comet and go into orbit around it. This will happen on August 6th. A video from ESA shows how Rosetta will match velocities with the comet's core and maneuver to within 30 km of the comet's surface, where the weak gravity of 67P can capture the spacecraft. Going into orbit around a comet is a historic moment in the history of space exploration. Good luck to the Rosetta team as they attempt this unprecedented feat.

Only 2 days to rendezvous! Follow the action @ESA_Rosetta.

http://www.spaceweather.com/

[jakeXT]

1. 234 km

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2. Stunning

Rosetta will land on the comet in November.

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3. Four billion miles later...