We are about to step from our solar system out into the universe.

[PHILIP SCHNEIDER]

Space Shuttle

`

`

Our earth from the moon

`

`

`Orbital space satellite

`

orbital space station

`

Our solar system

`

`

`

Our galaxie

``

`

Our next stepping stone into the Universe is a COMET.

We have just now arrived there.

`

Our unmanned space ship is called Rosetta and the lander is called Philea.

Philea just landed on the surface of the comet and is getting oriented as we back here on earth contemplate that Rosetta left the earth back in 2004 about 10 years ago.

Scientists, astrophysicists, and engineers sling shot Rosetta around Mars and back several times and around other celestial objects several times all in an effort to catch up and match the speed of the comet measured at 41,000 KMH or 24,600 MPH miles per hour depending which science writer you read.

 The comet's name is { Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko } after the two astronomers who first saw and cataloged it.

The comet will continue to fall towards the sun gaining speed as it goes. If all goes well it will sling shot around the sun and then return to space beyond our solar system with our lander Philae still attached and the mother ship Rosetta still orbiting.

 Scientists designed this space craft duet as a one-way trip with no hope of return. The mission was to orbit Rosetta around the comet land drop Philea to the surface and to study the comet on it's surface and take the trip with the comet while it sailed around the sun.

`

Read more here:

`

http://sci.esa.int/rosetta/

`

`

`or

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/space/11222693/The-Rosetta-space...