Comet Interceptor
Visiting a pristine comet
The mission
ESA’s Comet Interceptor will be the first mission to visit a comet coming directly from the outer reaches of the Sun's realm, carrying material untouched since the dawn of the Solar System.
After launch, the spacecraft will be 'parked' in space before moving to intercept a suitable pristine comet. When the comet is near, the main spacecraft will release two probes to observe the comet from multiple directions at the same time.
Comet Interceptor is an ESA-led mission in collaboration with JAXA.
The launch
- Launch period: 2029
- Launch location: Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana
- Launch vehicle: Ariane 62
- Destination: pristine comet or interstellar object
- 3 spacecraft
- 10 instruments
- 3D map of a comet
Latest
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StoryScience & Exploration
What types of comets are there?
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StoryScience & Exploration
How are comets named?
