สำนักงานราชบัณฑิตยสภา

นิพนธ์ ทรายเพชร 65 วารสารราชบัณฑิตยสภา ปีที่ ๔๐ ฉบับที่ ๑ ม.ค.-มี.ค. ๒๕๕๘ Abstract Rosetta Spacecraft to Study Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko Nibondh Saibejra Fellow of the Academy of Science, The Royal Society, Thailand Rosetta spacecraft is the first space probe to perform a detailed study of comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko. The probe consists of two parts, the Rosetta orbiter and the Philae lander. Rosetta dimensions measure 2.8 X 2.1 X 2 meter, having solar panels as a source of electrical power. The European Space Agency launched Rosetta from Kourou space launching site in French Guiana using the Ariane 5G+V-158 rocket on March 2, 2004 at 07:17 UTC. The spacecraft went around the Earth and Mars for gravity assist to bring it to orbit the comet on August 6, 2014 after 6,400 million-kilometer journey lasting 10 years, 5 months, and 4 days. The Philae lander is planned to land on the comet on November 3, 2014, while the Rosetta orbiter will be circling around the comet at a 30-kilometer distance. Both the orbiter and lander will observe the comet, which is moving closer to the Sun. The next closest approach to the Sun of the comet is on August 13, 2015. The Rosetta mission is coming to an end in December, 2015. Keywords : Rosetta spacecraft, Philae lander, comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko