MPS contributions

The Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research (MPS) is the research institution worldwide with the greatest contribution to the scientific experiments of the Rosetta mission. The institute is home to the Principal Investigators of three instruments: the scientific camera system OSIRIS (Orbiter), the secondary ion mass spectrometer COSIMA (Orbiter), and the gas analyzer COSAC (Philae). In addition, the MPS has contributed to the five other instruments ROSINA, MIRO, CONSERT, DIM, and ROMAP and has developed and built important parts of the lander Philae.

Rosetta Orbiter:

OSIRIS - Optical, Spectroscopic, and Infrared Remote Imaging System

OSIRIS is the main scientific imaging system on the orbiter of ESA's Rosetta mission to comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko. OSIRIS comprises a high resolution Narrow Angle Camera (NAC) and a Wide Angle Camera (WAC). more

COSIMA - COmetary Secondary Ion Mass Anaylzer

COSIMA is a secondary ion mass spectrometer equipped with a dust collector, an ion source and an optical microscope. COSIMA's main goal is it to stuy the physical and chemical composition of the comet's dust environment. more

ROSINA - Rosetta Orbiter Spectrometer for Ion and Neutral Analysis

ROSINA is the main mass spectrometer onboard the Rosetta spacecraft. It consists of two mass spectrometers for the analysis of neutral particles and ions. ROSINA will determine basic properties such as composition, temperature, and gas velocity in the atmosphere and ionosphere of comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko. more

MIRO - Microwave Instrument for the Rosetta Orbiter

MIRO is a microwave instrument that determines the concentration of a great number of gases in the coma of comet 67P/Churymov-Gerasimenko, such as water vapor, carbon monoxide, ammonia, and methanol. In addition, the instrument measures the temperature of the comet's nucleus up to a depth of several centimeters. more

CONSERT - Comet Nucleus Sounding Experiment by Radiowave Transmission

CONSERT is the mission's only instrument with components located on the Rosetta orbiter and the lander Philae. Its goal is to study the inner structure of the comet's nucleus with the help of radio waves. more

Rosetta's lander Philae:

Lander Philae

Philae is a small autonomous space craft which is to be separated from the Rosetta orbiter and to land on the surface of comet 67/P Churyumov Gerasimenko. It carries ten different scientific instruments. The aim of Philae is do in-situ investigations of a cometary nucleus. more

COSAC - Cometary Sampling and Composition Experiment

COSAC is one of Philae's two gas analyzers. Its goal is to identify organic materials in the nucleus of comet 67P/ Churyumov-Gerasimenko. more

DIM - Dust Impact Monitor

DIM measures dust and ice particles released from the surface of the comet's nucleus. The particles are detected when impacting on the surface of the cube-shaped sensor. DIM is one of three subinstruments of the instrument package SESAME onboard the Rosetta lander Philae. more

ROMAP - Rosetta Lander Magnetometer and Plasma Monitor

ROMAP will observe the magnetic field and plasma environment on the nucleus surface of comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko. ROMAP is the combination of a magnetometer and plasma instrument with high temporal and spatial resolution. more

CONSERT - Comet Nucleus Sounding Experiment by Radiowave Transmission

CONSERT is the mission's only instrument with components located on the Rosetta orbiter and the lander Philae. Its goal is to study the inner structure of the comet's nucleus with the help of radio waves. more

MPS Hardware Contributions to the Rosetta Mission