Feature

After 4 billion miles Rosetta had enough fuel for one final manoeuvre

When the Rosetta spacecraft crashed onto the surface of comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko to end the 12 year project, the required manoeuvre called for a three minute thruster burn.

15/11/2016 10:41:44

Data from two Kistler pressure sensors confirmed that there was enough fuel left in the tanks to complete the burn with a little left in reserve. The two sensors had been monitoring the fuel levels continually during the 12 year, four billion mile journey allowing the mission engineers to ensure that Rosetta arrived at its destination with enough fuel to make the final corrections to put the probe into orbit.

Chosen for their proven longevity and total reliability despite high levels of vibration at lift-off and years of zero gravity conditions, the Kistler sensors, whilst not the oldest sensors still operating, they are certainly the most travelled.

Written By Sophia Bell

Sophia Bell is the Group Editor of DPA, Connectivity, and PBSI. She joined the team in 2020 as Assistant Editor after achieving a First-Class Honours BA in English Literature and Film Studies from the University of East Anglia. In her current role, she leads the editorial strategy, driving digital growth and ensuring each title continues to deliver trusted, relevant insight for engineering and manufacturing professionals.