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Study comets probe has lulled to sleep for three years.. / June 10, 2011 /

Experts of the European Space Agency (ESA) lulled to sleep for three years «Rosetta» probe , which was sent to the 67P/Churyumova-Gerasimenko comet.

Now the machine is at a distance of 549 million kilometers from the sun, and its battery power is not enough to ensure the normal operation of devices. After the «Rosetta» will get sent scientists team to go to sleep in a working state it will remain only a few space heaters that do not will fail instruments, and onboard computer.

Scientists were preparing to transfer the probe into hibernation for several months. All scientific instruments «Rosetta» have been disabled in March 2011 and in April and May, the scientists tested the solar panels to make sure that they will provide adequate supply of battery power the probe. Wake up, «Rosetta» is planned for January 2014 — 20th of her command will be sent to wake up.

The main purpose of the mission «Rosetta» is the study of comets 67P/Churyumova-Gerasimenko — short-period comet with an orbital period of 6.6 years. The probe should be close to her in 2014. Previously, «Rosetta,» explored the asteroid 21 Lutetia (21 Lutetia) — the unit approached him at a distance of 3162 kilometers and has photographed the celestial body on camera.

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