After ten years in space and many complex maneuvers later, the European Space Agency's Rosetta spacecraft is finally in position to rendezvous with the 2.5-mile diameter comet 67P. At 4AM EST today (10AM CEST), the ESA will broadcast a live webcast showing the first signals from the comet's orbit. Once it gets close enough, the Rosetta will execute a final "close approach trajectory insertion," a six minute thruster burn that will take it close enough to the comet to be captured by its gravity. Later in the year, a 62-pound lander called Philae will leave the mothership and lock itself down to the comet with harpoons. Using onboard instruments, it'll examine its composition and relay the information to earth. Finally, Rosetta will tag along with the comet as does a close orbit around the sun, examining how it changes when heated. Meanwhile, enjoy the show (below) as it approaches the giant rock.
Source: ESA (Rosetta)
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