ESA Science & Technology - Rosetta is ready for the New Year

On 28 November 2003 it was time for the deployment test of the re-installed High Gain Antenna (HGA). The test was successful. After the test the antenna was returned to the stowed position for the launch. 

Deployment test of the High Gain Antenna

On 1 December 2003 the Austrian Aerospace MLI team was busy with the Multi Layer Insulation (MLI) finalisation. In parallel to the MLI finalisation activities an Abbreviated Functional Test was being Run.

Installing the MLI	Solar Array deployment

Rosetta activities in Kourou were finished for this year on 3 December 2003. The spacecraft is now in baby-sitting mode and the team size in Kourou has been reduced to the minimum. The activities in Kourou will re-commence with the refuelling activities mid-January next year.

The Rosetta Team wishes you Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year!