The space probe ROSETTA, from the European Space Agency, was launched in 2004 from Earth. She will meet the 67 p/Churyumov-Gerasimenkocomet in 2014. After a phase approach and mapping of the kernel, a lander called PHILAE will arise on the surface of the comet while the probe will follow the evolution of the activity of the nucleus in its approach to the Sun for several months. LISA is involved as a co-investigator in the COSAC (gas chromatography) and COSIMA (mass spectrometer) instruments of this mission.

 

COSAC	COSIMA
Objective : Gas chromatography analysis of the composition of the nucleus of comet	Objective : mass spectrometry analysis of the organic composition of cometary grain
Through these instruments, the laboratory is particularly involved in analysis of organic matter in cometary nuclei. The nature of the latter can bring us valuable information on the formation of the solar system, as well as on chemical evolution that led to the emergence of life on Earth.