Rosetta probe reaches its destination: IABG contributed substantially to the mission’s success

In the afternoon of 12 November 2014 the “Rosetta” space probe dropped the “Philae” lander on the Churyumov Gerasimenko comet as planned. IABG has prepared the ground for this successful mission in extensive tests beforehand.

With total costs of € one billion, this has been ESA’s most complex research project so far. All possible precautions were therefore taken in advance to ensure the success of the mission.

From September to November 2001, Philae was being thoroughly tested in IABG’s ESA coordinated space test centre with regard to its space qualification. During this period an international team of specialists was working at IABG.

In the context of vibration tests, vibrations occurring during the starting phase were simulated.

Extreme conditions in space place particularly high demands on the material. Vacuum, space temperature conditions and sun exposure were therefore simulated in the IABG space simulation facility. Investigations on electromagnetic compatibility were part of the test programme, as were folding tests in a vacuum for the lander’s legs across different temperature ranges.

The test programme also comprised the determination of mass characteristics. Mass as well as mass centre characteristics and moments of inertia were hereby determined. Eventually the whole landing unit was subjected to magnetic purity measurement. IABG’s magnetic field simulation facility, which is unique in Europe, was used for this purpose. With this system IABG can perform magnetic field surveys and simulate, or even compensate the earth's magnetic field.

As proven partner of the space industry and with its decades of experience, IABG has successfully participated in numerous aeronautic and space projects.

Together with its French partner, the company created the ETS European Test Services in the Netherlands. With this step IABG obtained access to ESA’s system capacity which allows testing even very large space structures.