Comet presents the amazing story of the Rosetta space probe and its interstellar voyage to the comet Tchoury. Its mission – to find clues to the origins of our solar system and the emergence of life on Earth. Following a ten-year voyage and a journey spanning millions of kilometres through our Solar System, the Rosetta entered the comet’s orbit. Its lander, Philae – a miniature science laboratory – landed directly on Tchoury’s surface and was able to take the photographs presented here.

This triumph of scientific endeavour brought back a raft of incredible new photographs, the best of which are featured here. The book is built around the various phases in Rosetta’s journey: leaving Earth, breaching its atmosphere and watching the lights of home recede; skirting the Moon and coming close to Mars; plunging into the cosmos’ starry void and approaching the comet; and, finally, landing on Tchoury. The photographs are accompanied by a text that reflects on the objectives of the mission and the accomplishment of such a technological feat for humanity. Detailed captions provide the reader with accessible scientific information, enabling them to get to the heart of the subject.

Table of Contents

Introduction • 1. Launching • 2. First Earth Flyby • 3. Mars Flyby • 4. Second Earth
Flyby • 5. Asteroid Stein Flyby • 6. Third Earth Flyby • 7. Asteroid Lutetia Flyby
8. Entering Deep Space Hibernation • 9. Exiting Deep Space Hibernation • 10. Rendezvous
Manouevre • 11. Arrival at Comet • 12. Philae Landing • 13. Nominal Mission End