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Rosetta comet-chaser initiates 'big burn' (BBC)
By Jonathan Amos
Science correspondent, BBC News
Europe's Rosetta spacecraft is in the midst of another critical moment in its mission to rendezvous with a comet.
The satellite has lit its thrusters for a near-eight-hour burn that should put it on just the right path to meet up with 67P/C-G in August.
Although eight further manoeuvres will be required to complete the task, Wednesday's is the big one.
Rosetta, which was launched from Earth 10 years ago, plans to orbit the comet and put a small lander on its surface.
If all goes well, the mission should return some remarkable insights on the behaviour and chemical make-up of its icy quarry.
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more: http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-27498534
