Since ESA's Rosetta mission reached the [1]67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko [1] Comet [1], it has been an inspiring event for science and engineering. The whole endeavour was unimaginable just a few decades ago. We can only say we are glad to have made a small contribution with our Virtuoso RTOS on-board. After Philae landed and did most of its assigned work until the batteries died, Rosetta has been circling the comet providing us with impressive pictures and valuable insight in what a comet now really is.
After two years, Rosetta is entering eternity. In September, Rosetta itself will descend on the comet. While doing so, it will continue to sample data and transmit close-up images, but most likely that will be the last time earth can make contact. However, Rosetta lives on in the music of Vangelis, who inspired by Rosetta composed a complete album for it. This music might live on forever. And who knows, some day our descendants or an alien intelligence might discover the remains of Rosetta as well.
Links:
Sample tracks:
- Arrival [3]
- Philae's Journey [4]
- Rosetta's Walz [5]