CONSERT

CONSERT is an acronym that stands for COmbined Next-generation Sounder for European Reconnaissance of Targets. It is a radar instrument designed to probe the internal structure of cometary nuclei.

CONSERT was a key instrument aboard the European Space Agency's (ESA) Rosetta spacecraft, which studied comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko. The radar operated at a frequency of 90 MHz and used two antennas: one on the Rosetta orbiter and another on the Philae lander.

The instrument worked by transmitting radio waves from Rosetta, which then traveled through the comet's nucleus. The signals were received by the Philae lander, and the data was then transmitted back to Earth for analysis. By analyzing the changes in the radio waves as they passed through the comet, scientists could create a three-dimensional map of the comet's interior, revealing information about its composition, density, and structure.

The CONSERT experiment provided valuable insights into the nature of comets and their role in the early solar system. It helped scientists understand how comets are formed and how they evolve over time. The data obtained is still being analyzed and continues to contribute to our understanding of these fascinating celestial objects.