Chasing the comets

 Engineers in the UK are starting to work on a new spacecraft that will chase down comets and the map them for scientific research.

As per the report, the mothership will hold two smaller robotic probes that can be released close to the target comet. Designed for extreme close fly-bys, the probes will send images and other data back to the mothership for research.

While it was initially suggested by an international team of researchers led by UK academics from the University College London and the University of Edinburgh, in 2019, it was selected by ESA to help facilitate new comet discoveries to reveal information about pristine comets entering the inner Solar System or interstellar objects passing through.

As per the statement, while the mothercraft is being built by Thales, the two smaller probes will be provided by Japanese Space Agency JAXA and ESA.

Slated for launch in 2028, the Interceptor will wait in orbit for a suitable target. Each of its module will be fitted with scientific instruments, which will greatly improve the 3D information that is necessary to comprehend the dynamic nature of a pristine comet.