Why embark on such a journey? The mission aims to gather in-depth data about a comet, which could shed light on the origins of our solar system—and possibly even the advent of water and life on Earth, thought to have arrived through comet impacts. Comets are remnants from the formation of the solar system billions of years ago. Pondering “How did the solar system begin?” is captivating, yet it feels very abstract compared to the everyday questions we tackle in life and work. So, what motivates the scientists behind the Rosetta mission to dive into this cosmic adventure? I chatted with some of the Rosetta team to uncover their reasons for dedicating decades to studying these ancient cosmic travelers.
“It’s genuine exploration, and what could be more thrilling than that?” says Ben Thompson, a radio astronomer who has been part of the Rosetta project for two decades. When he first joined, he was the youngest radio astronomer on the team—his leader wanted fresh-faced minds for a mission projected to last a long time. When I asked him about his enduring passion for the project, he enthusiastically described analyzing the gases in the comet’s coma (the cloud of gases surrounding the comet) and the characteristics of its nucleus. “Ultimately, scientists are driven by the desire to witness something no one has ever seen and to solve mysteries,” he adds. “That emotional connection is what inspires us every day and keeps us up late at night.”
Ben’s colleagues, Sarah Lane and Mike Carter, are also drawn to the thrill of discovery as they work on an ultraviolet spectrometer that analyzes the comet’s surface and tail. “The Rosetta mission is a groundbreaking endeavor,” Sarah states. “It’s genuine exploration!” Mike echoes her sentiment, saying, “The excitement of firsts is undeniable; you can speculate about the unknowns, but you never truly know until you uncover them.”
The landing of the Philae lander on Comet P67 was a monumental technological achievement and likely the first aspect of the Rosetta mission that many have heard about. However, numerous milestones preceded that event. The mission was conceived in the late ‘70s, approved in 1993, and launched in 2004. Ben shares an earlier pivotal moment with pride: “When your instrument survives the launch and you power it on for the first time, capturing that initial image—what we call ‘first light’—is exhilarating!” (Rosetta, equipped with various instruments, had multiple “first light” moments.)
The spacecraft journeyed with comet P67 beyond Jupiter, far enough from the sun that its solar panels couldn’t generate adequate power, forcing it into hibernation for over two years. For Mike, the most thrilling moment wasn’t the recent landing, but rather the moment Rosetta woke up from its long slumber in January. “It’s rare for a spacecraft to be out of touch for such an extended period, and there were doubts about whether Rosetta and its instruments would still function,” he recalls. “While my colleagues focused on the lander during the landing day, I was relieved that my stressful moment was behind me, allowing me to enjoy their excitement.”
Collaboration is key to the Rosetta mission. The data gathered by the Rosetta and Philae teams isn’t singular; different scientists analyze dust, ice, and gases. It’s the combination of all these findings that will help answer the significant questions at hand. Tom Reed studies the comet’s nucleus and is excited to explore its interior, which could reveal how the first macroscopic bodies formed in the solar nebula 4.5 billion years ago—an essential step toward understanding planet formation.
Meanwhile, Ben is focused on the relationship between the comet’s surface and its coma, examining how both change as the comet orbits the sun and experiences temperature shifts. “Understanding how the nucleus evolves each time it orbits the sun is crucial for extrapolating the formation of the solar system,” he explains. While each scientist has a distinct focus, their discoveries become significant when viewed collectively. “We concentrate on specific aspects,” Ben adds, “and then we step back to assess if we’re progressing toward our overarching goals.”
Many Rosetta scientists describe their passion as a blend of two elements. “It’s a combination of head and heart,” says Mike. “On one side, you have technical challenges, and on the other, there’s the joy of scientific discovery, unraveling the universe’s mysteries and our place within it.” Sarah philosophically remarks, “I often liken science to art. People may not see the immediate benefits—this won’t lead to a better toaster, for instance—but there’s an intrinsic value in this work, akin to art. It’s worth investing resources in, whether it’s public funding or personal attention. It simply feels meaningful.”
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In summary, the scientists behind the Rosetta mission are driven by a mix of intellectual curiosity and emotional connection to the mysteries of the universe. Their dedication to exploration and discovery fuels their work, and the collaborative nature of the project helps pave the way to answering some of our most profound questions about the solar system and our origins.