Rosetta in acoustic test chamber

ESA's Rosetta comet-chasing satellite during acoustic testing, simulating the deafening noise of a rocket launch, in the Large European Acoustic Facility (LEAF) of the ESTEC Test Centre in April 2002. Note the microphone stands surrounding the satellite, to capture the noise field produced by the acoustic horns, one of which is seen embedded in the wall to the left. Nitrogen shot through the horns can produce a range of noise up to more than 154 decibels, like standing close to multiple jets taking off.

Before leaving Earth a decade ago, ESA’s comet-chasing mission Rosetta underwent a full test campaign at ESA’s Technical Centre in the Netherlands, the largest spacecraft testing facility in Europe. For more information on the full range of testing carried out, read the ESA Bulletin article from the time.