MISSION NAME
Comet Interceptor
Status
TBD
DATE
31 AUG 2028
LAUNCH PROVIDER
Arianespace
Launch Pad
Ariane Launch Area 4
Description
ESA's Comet Interceptor consists of three spacecraft which will be positioned at the Sun-Earth Lagrange point L2, where they will wait for a long-period comet or an interstellar object to come by. Once the desired target appears, the spacecraft will separate and perform a flyby of the target, compiling a detailed 3D profile of a comet.
Ariane 64
Rocket Description
The Ariane 6 family is currently under development by the European Space Agency, with two variations including the Ariane 64 with four solid boosters intended for government and scientific missions.