The European Space Agency (ESA) is Europe’s gateway to space. Its mission is to shape the development of Europe’s space capability and ensure that investment in space continues to deliver benefits to the citizens of Europe and the world.
Find out more about space activities in our 23 Member States, and understand how ESA works together with their national agencies, institutions and organisations.
Exploring our Solar System and unlocking the secrets of the Universe
Go to topicProtecting life and infrastructure on Earth and in orbit
Go to topicUsing space to benefit citizens and meet future challenges on Earth
Go to topicMaking space accessible and developing the technologies for the future
Go to topicIn this animation, Rosetta can be seen approaching Mars (red planet) and then swinging behind Mars with respect to Earth (blue planet) and the Sun (at centre), for a net reduction in velocity. Closest approach (250 km) is expected at 01:57:59.0 UTC, 25 February, +/- 1.3 seconds.
The animation clearly shows Rosetta swinging behind Mars to be eclipsed with respect to the Sun and occultated with respect to the Earth.