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Comet Interceptor

The Comet Interceptor is a robotic space mission led by the European Space Agency (ESA) designed to rendezvous with and study a long-period comet (LPC) or interstellar object entering the inner Solar System for the first time, marking the first such multi-point in situ observations of a pristine or minimally evolved cometary body.^[1]^[2] Selected in June 2019 as ESA's fifth F-class mission within the Cosmic Vision programme and formally adopted in June 2022, the mission will launch in late 2029 aboard an Ariane 62 rocket alongside ESA's ARIEL exoplanet mission from Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana, initially parking at the Sun-Earth L2 Lagrange point to await target selection via ground-based astronomical surveys.^[1]^[2] The mission's core objectives focus on characterizing the target comet's nucleus—including its shape, morphology, and composition—the surrounding coma (encompassing gas and dust properties and activity mechanisms), and its interactions with the solar wind and interplanetary medium, thereby offering unprecedented insights into Solar System formation and the delivery of water and organics to Earth.^[2] To achieve this, Comet Interceptor employs three complementary spacecraft with a total wet launch mass of approximately 975 kg: the main Spacecraft A (the carrier/mother probe), and two flyby probes—B1 (JAXA-built, ~35 kg) for imaging and plasma measurements, and B2 (ESA-built, ~35 kg) for visible-to-infrared imaging—enabling simultaneous observations from multiple vantage points to construct a three-dimensional profile of the comet.^[1]^[2] These platforms carry 10 scientific instruments in total, including wide- and narrow-angle cameras (e.g., CoCam, NAC, WAC), visible-to-infrared spectrometers (e.g., EnVisS, OPIC), plasma and dust detectors (e.g., DFP, MIRMIS), and a neutral mass spectrometer (MANiaC), all optimized for rapid deployment and operation during a single high-speed encounter expected in the early 2030s.^[2] Comet Interceptor represents a collaborative effort involving ESA's 22 member states, with principal contributions from institutions in Italy (prime contractor OHB Italia), Germany (DLR), Finland, France, and the United Kingdom, alongside JAXA's probe development and select instrumentation support from NASA and other international partners such as those in Poland, Austria, Belgium, Sweden, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, and Switzerland.^[1]^[2]^[3] As of November 2025, the mission remains on schedule and is in Phase C/D, focusing on detailed design, manufacturing, instrument integration, and target identification strategies, building on lessons from prior comet missions like Rosetta to advance understanding of dynamically new comets that retain their original interstellar material. The mission's design is particularly timely given recent discoveries like the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS in July 2025.^[1]^[2]^[4]^[5]

History

Proposal and Selection

The concept for the Comet Interceptor mission originated in late 2017 and early 2018, following the discovery of the interstellar object 1I/'Oumuamua on October 19, 2017, which underscored the limitations of ground- and space-based telescopes for studying such fleeting visitors and emphasized the need for a dedicated, rapid-response spacecraft to intercept pristine comets or potential interstellar objects entering the inner Solar System. This idea was developed by an international consortium led by ESA scientists, aiming to enable multi-point observations of a yet-to-be-discovered long-period comet to characterize its nucleus, coma, and dust environment before significant solar heating alters it.^[6] In July 2018, Comet Interceptor was submitted as a proposal in response to ESA's call for its first F-class (fast) mission under the Cosmic Vision programme, one of 23 initial concepts received from the scientific community, with a focus on intercepting a dynamically new comet from the Oort Cloud.^[7] Six proposals were shortlisted for further assessment, including competitors such as concepts for direct interstellar probes, and evaluated on criteria including scientific merit, technical feasibility, cost cap of €150 million (excluding launch), and a compressed timeline targeting launch within approximately 10 years of selection to align with opportunities like shared rides on Ariane 6.^[7]^[8] On June 19, 2019, ESA's Science Programme Committee selected Comet Interceptor as the inaugural F-class mission, praising its innovative approach to target discovery and its potential to address key questions in cometary science and Solar System formation.^[7] Following successful Phase A feasibility studies that refined the mission design and partnerships, Comet Interceptor was formally adopted for full implementation on June 8, 2022, by ESA's Industrial Policy Committee, with JAXA confirmed as a collaborator providing the CubeSat-based probe B1 for close-up flyby observations.^[9]^[10]

Development Phases

The development of the Comet Interceptor mission progressed through standard ESA phases following its selection in June 2019 as the agency's first F-class mission. Phase A, the feasibility study, began in 2020 and involved two parallel industrial studies to assess the mission architecture, confirming the use of a Sun-Earth L2 parking orbit for the multi-spacecraft configuration comprising the main spacecraft (CI-A) and two companion probes (B1 and B2).^[2] Phase B1, the preliminary design phase, commenced in April 2021 and focused on refining the science case and initial engineering concepts, culminating in the Preliminary Design Review. During this period, the Science Study Team and Science Steering Committee validated key aspects of the mission design. The mission was formally adopted by ESA in June 2022, transitioning into Phase B2/C for detailed design, qualification, and implementation.^[2]^[11] Industrial involvement intensified in Phase B2/C, with ESA awarding the prime contract for the CI-A spacecraft to OHB Italia in December 2022, enabling advanced design and construction activities. JAXA contributes the B1 probe and its payload as an in-kind contribution, while a consortium led by OHB Italia, including SENER for the B2 probe, handles the European elements. Prototype testing for the probes and subsystems, including dust mitigation features, has been a focus to address challenges such as rapid deployment from L2 and reliable communication relay through CI-A to Earth.^[11]^[12]^[13] The mission's budget is capped at €150 million for ESA's contributions, covering development and operations, supplemented by JAXA's in-kind support for B1. As of November 2025, Phase B2/C remains on schedule with no reported delays, targeting launch readiness in 2029 aboard an Ariane 6 rocket alongside the ARIEL mission. Key updates in 2025 include the completion of breadboard testing for critical electronics and instruments, such as the electronics board for the Cometary Plasma Light Instrument in October, finalization of integration plans to ensure compatibility with the launch vehicle, and in November, the completion of the first instrument flight units.^[14]^[15]^[16]^[17]

Mission Design

Scientific Objectives

The Comet Interceptor mission's primary goal is to characterize a dynamically new, long-period comet—or potentially an interstellar object—providing the first in-situ study of pristine material preserved from the early Solar System.^[1]^[2] This target, likely originating from the distant Oort Cloud, represents an unprocessed body that has rarely or never ventured into the inner Solar System, offering a unique opportunity to examine unaltered cometary building blocks.^[18]^[19] Unlike previous missions, Comet Interceptor employs a multi-spacecraft configuration for simultaneous, multi-point observations during a rapid-response flyby, enabling a comprehensive 3D profile of the comet's nucleus and environment.^[8]^[2] Key scientific questions center on the comet nucleus's composition, including the presence of ices and organics, as well as its shape, morphology, and internal structure to reveal primordial features such as surface pits or terraces.^[2]^[8] The mission will investigate dust and gas dynamics within the coma, mapping their spatial distributions and activity mechanisms like jets, while probing the comet's interaction with the solar wind to understand plasma boundaries such as the bow shock and diamagnetic cavity.^[1]^[2] Additionally, it aims to construct a detailed 3D map of the cometary environment through stereo imaging and coordinated measurements from multiple vantage points.^[18]^[8] Secondary objectives include comparing data from this long-period comet with observations of short-period comets, such as those from ESA's Rosetta mission at 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko, to discern evolutionary changes versus inherent compositional differences.^[19]^[2] If the Vera C. Rubin Observatory identifies a suitable interstellar object, like 1I/'Oumuamua or 2I/Borisov, the mission could pivot to study its formation and evolution in another star system, broadening insights beyond Solar System origins.^[19]^[2] This flexibility underscores the mission's innovative approach as the first dedicated rapid-response platform for such targets.^[18] Expected outcomes encompass detailed data on volatile release, including low-temperature species like water and carbon dioxide, to quantify outgassing processes in a pristine context.^[2] Measurements of magnetic field perturbations and particle distributions will illuminate the 3D plasma environment, including ion rays and dust evolution, while isotopic ratios and surface chemistry will refine models of Solar System formation and cometary diversity.^[1]^[8] These findings are anticipated to enhance understanding of how comets migrate and evolve from the outer Solar System inward.^[19]

Operational Concept

The Comet Interceptor mission operates from a strategic parking position at the Sun-Earth Lagrange Point 2 (L2), approximately 1.5 million km from Earth, in a quasi-halo orbit with an amplitude of about 1 million km. This location provides a stable vantage point for up to three years of standby, allowing the spacecraft to await the post-launch discovery of a suitable target without excessive fuel consumption for station-keeping. Target monitoring relies on ground-based telescopes, including the Vera C. Rubin Observatory, which began operations in 2025 and is expected to detect numerous long-period comets and potential interstellar objects during its survey.^[19]^[20]^[8]^[21] Target selection focuses on long-period comets exhibiting inbound trajectories with perihelia in the 2030s, ideally dynamically new comets originating from the Oort Cloud at distances beyond 2 AU, to capture pristine material unaltered by prior solar heating. The mission offers flexibility to intercept interstellar objects if identified within reachability constraints, such as encounters at 0.9–1.2 AU from the Sun and relative velocities of 10–70 km/s. Backup options include short-period comets like 15P/Finlay if no primary target emerges within the waiting period. Upon detection, typically via alerts from observatories like Rubin, the mission team evaluates trajectory compatibility, including an 80% probability of reaching a suitable target within six years.^[20]^[8]^[22] The rendezvous phase involves a transfer from L2 using chemical propulsion, with a delta-V budget of up to 600 m/s (allocated to 750 m/s) enabling direct trajectories or lunar gravity assists over 1.5–2.5 years to achieve interception. The companion probes B1 and B2 are deployed from the main spacecraft (CI-A) approximately six hours apart shortly before closest approach, positioning them for complementary paths through the coma. The encounter sequence features a high-speed flyby: CI-A at a nominal 1000 km from the nucleus, B1 at 850 km, and B2 at 400 km, enabling simultaneous multi-point observations of the nucleus, coma, and tail over about 48 hours at a solar aspect angle near 90°. Probes relay data in real-time to CI-A via S-band links for storage.^[20]^[8]^[23]^[24] Data handling accommodates a total volume of approximately 200 Gbit, captured across the three spacecraft and downlinked from CI-A to Earth using X-band communications via the Deep Space Network over several months post-encounter, prioritizing high-resolution imaging and spectral data. After the primary flyby, CI-A can perform orbit adjustments to maintain operational readiness, potentially enabling pursuit of a secondary target within the mission's six-year lifespan. Risk mitigation emphasizes autonomous navigation with onboard optical cameras for trajectory corrections, redundant propulsion and communication systems to handle uncertainties in target ephemeris, and dust shields modeled after Giotto heritage to protect against coma hazards during the high-velocity pass. Probabilistic reachability analyses ensure broad target accessibility while constraining exposure to extreme conditions.^[8]^[20]^[25]

Spacecraft Configuration

Main Spacecraft (CI-A)

The Comet Interceptor's main spacecraft, designated CI-A, serves as the primary mission bus and communication relay, built by the European Space Agency (ESA) with contributions from industrial partners.^[19] It features a box-shaped bus structure with stowed dimensions of approximately 1.6 × 1.6 × 1.5 meters, designed for robustness in deep-space environments.^[2] A fixed high-gain antenna enables high-rate data transmission to Earth.^[2] The spacecraft's total launch mass is approximately 975 kg, encompassing the bus, scientific payload, and the two companion probes.^[2] Power for CI-A is provided by solar arrays totaling 6 square meters (two panels of 3 square meters each), generating approximately 1.4 kW at the Sun-Earth L2 Lagrange point.^[26] Propulsion relies on a chemical system using approximately 50 kg of hydrazine propellant, supporting up to 600 m/s of delta-V for orbit insertion, rendezvous maneuvers, and attitude control.^[2] Avionics include redundant computing with one on-board computer and one remote interface unit, complemented by two star trackers and four reaction wheels (each providing 4 Nms momentum and up to 0.215 Nm torque) to ensure precise pointing accuracy during the comet encounter phase.^[26] In its operational role, CI-A carries the mission's primary scientific instruments, deploys the companion probes B1 and B2 via a dedicated mechanism, and functions as the central communication hub, relaying data from all components to ground stations at a downlink rate of 28 Mbps using X-band frequencies.^[26] The design draws heritage from ESA's Rosetta and BepiColombo missions, incorporating proven technologies for long-duration deep-space operations, power management, and fault-tolerant systems; the spacecraft is being built by an OHB-IT-led consortium.^[19]^[2]

Companion Probes

The Comet Interceptor mission incorporates two companion probes, designated B1 and B2, to enable multipoint observations during the encounter with a target comet. These small spacecraft, each with a mass of approximately 30–40 kg, are designed as compact, low-complexity platforms to complement the main spacecraft (CI-A) by performing close flybys through the comet's coma. B1, provided by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), adopts a 24U CubeSat-derived architecture with 3-axis stabilization, measuring about 576 mm × 426 mm × 300 mm when stowed. B2, developed by the European Space Agency (ESA) in collaboration with European industry partners including OHB and Elecnor Deimos, features an octagonal, spin-stabilized design with dimensions of roughly 851 mm × 600 mm × 600 mm, emphasizing a cost-effective approach with minimal redundancy.^[26]^[2]^[27] Probe B1 is configured for a ballistic trajectory that penetrates the inner coma, allowing it to conduct in-situ measurements amid the dust and gas environment while surviving particle impacts. It lacks dedicated propulsion and relies on solar arrays deployed on one-axis gimbals for primary power, supplemented by a secondary battery to support operations lasting several days. In contrast, B2 is optimized for a survivable close pass at distances as low as 400 km from the nucleus, also without propulsion but powered solely by a primary lithium-thionyl chloride battery providing around 1,000–1,500 Wh for an operational lifetime of approximately 24–30 hours. Both probes use S-band inter-satellite links for one-way data transmission to CI-A at rates up to 50 kbps, with no direct communication capability to Earth, ensuring all observations are relayed through the main spacecraft.^[2]^[26]^[10] The probes are deployed from a dispenser on CI-A using a linear separation mechanism, such as a clamp band system, imparting an initial relative velocity of around 0.5 m/s to achieve independent trajectories. B1 is released first, approximately 42–48 hours before the comet encounter, followed by B2 about 24 hours prior, allowing time for attitude acquisition and navigation using onboard optical sensors and relative positioning data. This sequencing enables B1 to target a deeper coma chord at about 850 km closest approach for destructive in-situ sampling of the environment, while B2 follows a path suited to intact flyby imaging and analysis, providing complementary perspectives on the comet's structure and dynamics. JAXA's development of B1 draws on expertise from the Hayabusa missions in small probe technologies, whereas B2's construction involves Italian and French industrial contributions for ESA.^[26]^[2]^[28]

Scientific Instruments

Payload on CI-A

The payload on the main spacecraft, designated CI-A, consists of four primary instrument suites designed for remote sensing and in-situ measurements during the approach to and flyby of the target comet, enabling characterization of the nucleus, coma, and surrounding plasma environment from a distance.https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Comet_Interceptor/Comet_Interceptor_s_spacecraft_and_instruments These instruments operate synergistically, with imaging systems providing contextual data to support plasma and dust analyses, all activated progressively during the encounter phase to maximize scientific return within power and data constraints.https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11214-023-01035-0 The COmet CAmera (CoCa) is a visible-light imaging system that captures high-resolution images of the comet nucleus to determine its size, shape, rotation period, and surface morphology.https://www.cometinterceptor.space/instrumentation.html Operating in the 400–1000 nm wavelength range with four selectable broadband filters (each ~150 nm wide), CoCa achieves a spatial resolution of less than 20 m per pixel at a 1000 km flyby distance, supported by an angular scale of 8 μrad per pixel, allowing it to acquire up to 2500 images across a wide range of phase angles during the encounter.https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11214-023-01035-0 This enables mapping of surface features such as ices, dust emission sites, and albedo variations, while also probing inner coma dust properties through scattered light observations.https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Comet_Interceptor/Comet_Interceptor_s_spacecraft_and_instruments The Modular InfraRed Molecules and Ices Sensor (MIRMIS) provides multispectral and hyperspectral infrared observations to analyze the chemical composition, ices, and thermal properties of the nucleus and coma gases.https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Comet_Interceptor/Comet_Interceptor_s_spacecraft_and_instruments Comprising three channels—a near-infrared (NIR) hyperspectral imager (0.9–1.7 μm, 20 nm spectral resolution), a mid-infrared (MIR) point spectrometer (2.5–5 μm, 30 nm resolution), and a thermal infrared imager (TIRI, 6–25 μm with 10 channels)—MIRMIS detects key volatiles like H₂O, CO₂, and organics, mapping their distribution and constraining nucleus thermal inertia and emissivity.https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11214-023-01035-0 Led by a consortium including NASA Goddard and the University of Oxford, it supports remote identification of surface minerals and activity drivers without requiring close proximity.https://science.gsfc.nasa.gov/solarsystem/projects/460 The Mass Analyzer for Neutrals in a Coma (MANiaC) is an in-situ mass spectrometer and neutral density gauge that measures the composition and density of gases in the cometary coma.https://www.space.unibe.ch/micro_comin/content/instruments/maniac/index_eng.html Using time-of-flight mass spectrometry, it covers a mass-to-charge range up to a few hundred Daltons, quantifying major volatiles (H₂O, CO₂, CO, CH₄) and minor species, along with isotopic ratios to trace primordial solar system materials.https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11214-023-01035-0 The instrument also assesses outgassing rates and coma heterogeneity, linking nucleus activity to gas production, with sensitivity to low densities enabling measurements from the spacecraft's flyby trajectory.https://www.cometinterceptor.space/instrumentation.html Developed by the University of Bern, MANiaC complements remote sensing by providing ground-truth chemical data.https://cometinterceptor.unibe.ch/ The Dust, Fields, and Plasma (DFP-A) suite integrates multiple sensors to investigate the cometary dust distribution, magnetic fields, and plasma interactions with the solar wind.https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Comet_Interceptor/Comet_Interceptor_s_spacecraft_and_instruments Key components include the Dust Impact Sensor and Counter (DISC), which detects dust particles via impact ionization to measure flux, size distribution (from 10⁻¹⁵ to 10⁻⁸ kg, corresponding to ~1 μm to ~1 cm diameters), and velocities; the Fluxgate Magnetometer (FGM-A) for vector magnetic fields (±1000 nT range, 31 pT resolution); the Solar wind and Comet Ion ENergetic Neutral Analyser (SCIENA) for ions and energetic neutral atoms (few eV to 15 keV); the Low Energy Electron Sensor (LEES) for electron spectra (few eV to 1 keV); and the COmet Plasma and LangmUIr iNstrument (COMPLIMENT) for electric fields, plasma densities, temperatures, UV emissions, and nanodust impacts using Langmuir probe techniques.https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11214-023-01035-0 This suite delineates the comet's interaction boundaries, such as the bow shock and draping region, and characterizes dust dynamics, with CoCa images providing spatial context for particle trajectories.https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Comet_Interceptor/Comet_Interceptor_s_spacecraft_and_instruments During the intercept, these instruments on CI-A operate in coordination with the companion probes for multi-point observations, where CI-A's wide-field data frames the close-up in-situ measurements from B1 and B2.https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11214-023-01035-0

Payload on B1

The B1 probe, contributed by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), features a compact payload suite tailored for high-risk, short-duration observations during its planned hyperbolic flyby through the comet's coma at relative speeds of 10–70 km/s and a nominal closest approach of approximately 850 km from the nucleus. This design enables in-situ measurements of plasma, neutral gases, and dust environments in regions inaccessible to the main spacecraft, with instruments ruggedized to withstand intense dust fluxes and partial structural compromise. Data acquisition emphasizes buffered storage for rapid relay to the CI-A spacecraft via a dedicated link, ensuring transmission of critical observations even if the probe experiences degradation post-encounter.^[10]^[2]^[19] The Narrow/Wide Angle Camera (NAC/WAC) serves as the primary visible imager on B1, operating across a broadband spectral range of 400–900 nm to capture images of the nucleus, dust dynamics, and overall coma morphology en route to closest approach. The NAC employs a narrow field of view (FOV) of about 10° for high-resolution views of the comet nucleus and fine-scale features, while the WAC provides a wider FOV of roughly 60° (with some configurations extending to 90° × 90°) to monitor broader dust distributions and tail structures from multiple angles. These monochromatic cameras, led by principal investigator Naoya Sakatani of Rikkyo University, coordinate with similar instruments on CI-A and B2 to enable stereoscopic and multi-perspective imaging, revealing the three-dimensional evolution of cometary ejecta during the brief flyby window.^[29]^[30]^[31] The Heliospheric Imager (HI), a Cassegrain-type ultraviolet instrument centered on the Lyman-alpha line at 121.6 nm, images the extended hydrogen envelope (coma) to quantify water production rates and map neutral gas distributions from months prior to the encounter through the flyby phase. With bandpass filters for targeted UV observations, HI also functions as a coronagraph to visualize solar wind interactions, comet tail structures, and heliospheric features, providing context for plasma dynamics in the cometary environment. This instrument, essential for tracing the comet's activity as a pristine long-period object, supports remote sensing of hydrogen clouds that indicate outgassing patterns and their response to solar heating.^[32]^[29]^[2] Complementing the imagers, the Plasma Sensor (PS) suite includes an electrostatic analyzer and cometary ion mass spectrometer (CIMS) to measure in-situ ion and electron populations within the coma, covering energy ranges from 1 eV to 30 keV with directional resolution across a wide angular field. Incorporating a magnetometer for magnetic field mapping, PS captures spectra of solar wind-comet interactions, charged particle acceleration, and plasma flows, offering insights into the electrified boundaries of the coma during the high-speed traversal. Principal investigator Satoshi Kasahara of the University of Tokyo oversees this ruggedized package, with deputy PI Ayako Matsuoka of Kyoto University, which prioritizes high-time-resolution sampling to document transient plasma phenomena before potential signal loss.^[10]^[33]^[34]^[6] B1's overall design emphasizes survivability against hypervelocity dust particles up to 70 km/s, with reinforced structures and radiation-hardened electronics to maintain partial functionality through the coma penetration, marking a pioneering approach for probing unaltered cometary material in a dynamically new object. Observations from B1 will uniquely sample inner coma regions, relaying buffered datasets to CI-A for post-flyby analysis and enabling the first multi-point, high-fidelity study of a long-period comet's plasma and neutral environment.^[2]

Payload on B2

The Probe B2, provided by the European Space Agency (ESA), is equipped with a suite of instruments optimized for remote sensing and in-situ measurements during its flyby of the comet nucleus and coma. These include the Entire Visible Sky (EnVisS) camera, the Optical Periscopic Imager for Comets (OPIC), and the Dust, Fields, and Plasma (DFP-B2) package, which collectively enable detailed characterization of the dust environment, nucleus surface, and plasma interactions without destructive impact.^[32]^[2] The EnVisS instrument is an all-sky polarimetric camera designed to map the entire visible sky around the probe, capturing the comet's coma and near-tail structures. Operating in the visible wavelength range of 550–800 nm, it measures the intensity, linear polarization, and polarization angle of scattered light to infer dust particle properties such as size, shape, and composition.^[2]^[35] With a field of view achieving full 180° phase angle coverage through the probe's spin stabilization, EnVisS enables the creation of stitched whole-sky maps on the ground, revealing dynamic distributions of dust and neutral gas via scattering patterns.^[2] This wide-field approach supports innovative 3D reconstruction of the coma's dust environment, providing context for multi-point observations across the mission fleet.^[36]^[2] Complementing EnVisS, the OPIC is a high-resolution panchromatic imager focused on the comet nucleus and its immediate vicinity. It features a field of view of approximately 18.2° × 18.2° and a 2048 × 2048 pixel sensor, allowing resolved imaging of surface features during close approach, with exposure times adjusted for optimal signal-to-noise ratio farther from the target.^[2]^[37] OPIC provides stereo perspectives of the nucleus by viewing from a direction offset from the main spacecraft (CI-A), contributing to 3D shape and morphology modeling when combined with data from other probes.^[32]^[2] Its periscopic design ensures unobstructed views despite the probe's configuration, enhancing analysis of dust jets and surface activity.^[38] The DFP-B2 suite consists of two key sensors: the Dust Impact Sensor and Counter (DISC) and the Fluxgate Magnetometer (FGM-B2), which perform in-situ measurements of the cometary environment. DISC detects and quantifies dust particle impacts across a sensitive area of 84 × 84 mm², measuring masses in the range of 10^{-15} to 10^{-8} kg to characterize the dust flux and size distribution in the coma.^[2]^[39] FGM-B2, a dual-sensor magnetometer, records the three-dimensional magnetic field with a dynamic range of ±1000 nT, resolution of 31 pT, and accuracy of ±2 nT, enabling assessment of solar wind-coma interactions and plasma boundaries.^[2]^[29] This package complements the more comprehensive DFP on CI-A by providing localized data during B2's closer flyby trajectory.^[2] During operations, B2 executes a non-impacting flyby at a nominal closest approach of around 400 km, with active instrument collection occurring within the mission's 60-day comet approach phase to maximize exposure to the dynamic coma.^[2] EnVisS and OPIC observations are synchronized with the probe's spin rate for comprehensive coverage, while DFP-B2 sensors operate continuously to capture transient events, relaying all data in real-time to CI-A for onward transmission to Earth.^[32]^[2] This setup allows B2 to focus on spectroscopic and imaging data for non-destructive analysis, contrasting with B1's high-speed flyby measurements for inner coma sampling.^[2] As of November 2025, flight models for key instruments including the FGM-B2 magnetometer and components of the DFP suites have completed testing and are scheduled for integration in early 2026.^[17]

Mission Operations

Launch and Deployment

The Comet Interceptor mission is scheduled for launch in late 2029 from the Guiana Space Centre in Kourou, French Guiana, aboard an Ariane 6.2 launch vehicle as a co-passenger with ESA's Ariel exoplanet mission, utilizing a shared upper stage configuration.^[1]^[40] In its stowed configuration, the composite spacecraft consists of the main spacecraft (CI-A) with the two companion probes (B1 from JAXA and B2 from ESA) securely attached, forming a compact unit with dimensions of approximately 1.6 m × 1.6 m × 1.5 m and a total wet mass limited to 975 kg, including propellants and margins. As of May 2025, the onboard computer was delivered following acceptance testing, including vibration and thermal vacuum tests. In November 2024, the structural qualification model of Probe B2 passed testing.^[8]^[41]^[42] The launch vehicle delivers the composite to an escape trajectory toward the Sun-Earth L2 Lagrange point via a direct transfer path, providing the required velocity increment for insertion into a quasi-halo orbit around L2, with the transfer duration estimated at 3 to 6 months depending on the specific launch window and energy profile.^[40]^[26] The probes remain attached to CI-A throughout the launch and transfer phases, with initial post-separation operations focusing on spacecraft checkout, including solar array deployment and three-axis attitude acquisition upon arrival at L2.^[8]^[26] The interface with the Ariane 6.2 utilizes a standard 937 mm adapter ring compatible with multi-payload deployments.^[26]

Station at L2

Following arrival at the Sun-Earth L₂ Lagrange point, approximately 1.5 million km from Earth, the main Comet Interceptor spacecraft (CI-A) will enter a Lissajous halo orbit with a period of roughly 6 months and an amplitude of 400,000 km. This orbit provides a stable vantage point for waiting, leveraging the gravitational balance at L₂ to minimize perturbations while allowing efficient departure toward an incoming comet.^[26]^[43] To maintain this orbit, station-keeping maneuvers will be executed approximately monthly using hydrazine propulsion, requiring a total delta-v of approximately 2.3 m/s per year. These burns will be commanded from Earth via ESA's ESTRACK network of 35-m ground antennas, ensuring precise positioning with minimal fuel expenditure during the quiescent phase.^[26]^[2] Power generation will rely on solar arrays continuously oriented toward the Sun, producing sufficient energy for housekeeping functions, while deployable radiators and multi-layer insulation manage the thermal environment, maintaining component temperatures between -150°C and +50°C. Operations will be kept to a minimum—limited to periodic health checks and data downlinks—to preserve propellant reserves.^[26] Self-monitoring will utilize CI-A's navigation cameras for onboard inspection and orbit verification, complemented by ground-based astronomical observations that provide alerts on newly discovered long-period comets within reach. The station-keeping phase is designed to last up to 4 years, supported by a fuel margin to accommodate extended waiting if no suitable target emerges promptly.^[2]^[26]

Intercept and Encounter

Upon confirmation of a suitable target comet, typically 6 months prior to the planned flyby, the Comet Interceptor composite spacecraft departs from its station at the Sun-Earth L2 halo orbit and initiates the transfer phase toward the intercept point.^[44] Trajectory optimization occurs through a series of trajectory correction maneuvers (TCMs), including a key diversion maneuver approximately 20 hours before closest approach, requiring a deterministic delta-V of about 8.5 m/s to achieve the nominal flyby geometry.^[8] These adjustments, performed using the onboard propulsion system, account for the comet's inbound trajectory near the ecliptic plane at a heliocentric distance of 0.9–1.2 AU.^[44] The rendezvous phase features a high-speed flyby with a relative velocity ranging from 10 to 70 km/s, peaking near 60 km/s depending on the target's orbital parameters.^[44] The main spacecraft (CI-A) approaches to a minimum distance of 1000 km from the comet nucleus, employing autonomous navigation and hazard avoidance systems to mitigate risks from dust and gas in the coma, including dust shields and trajectory fine-tuning based on onboard sensors.^[44] This setup prioritizes safe passage while enabling remote observations, with the probes deployed in the final stages to complement the multi-point strategy. The encounter unfolds over approximately one week, encompassing an extended approach phase of about 60 days for initial remote sensing, followed by intensive operations in the final days.^[44] Key events include probe separations—B1 at 42 hours before periapsis and B2 at 24 hours before—preceded by TCMs at 44 hours and 30 hours to align their trajectories; the peak activity occurs during the flyby at periapsis, with imaging and in-situ measurements concentrated within 48 hours, transitioning to departure observations thereafter.^[44] Multi-point operations enable simultaneous observations from varied vantage points: CI-A conducts remote sensing from 1000 km, while probe B1 (a JAXA-provided CubeSat) performs a close flyby at 850 km through the inner coma for plasma and dust analysis, and probe B2 (a European CubeSat) follows a trajectory at 400 km for complementary in-situ measurements of the dust environment and all-sky imaging.^[44] Data from B1 and B2 are relayed in real-time to CI-A via S-band links for storage and subsequent downlink to Earth, accounting for a light-time delay of approximately 8 minutes at 1 AU.^[44] Instruments such as cameras and spectrometers on each element capture the nucleus, coma, and solar wind interactions during this phase.^[44] Following the encounter, CI-A transmits the aggregated dataset—estimated at 200 Gbits—back to Earth over several months via high-gain antennas, concluding the primary science phase.^[44] The mission, designed for a single target intercept, reaches end-of-life approximately 6 months post-flyby, with the spacecraft placed into a safe heliocentric orbit for disposal, achieving a total duration of about 6 years from launch.^[44]

References

[1]
ESA - Comet Interceptor - European Space Agency
ESA's Comet Interceptor will be the first mission to visit a comet coming directly from the outer reaches of the Sun's realm.
[2]
The Comet Interceptor Mission | Space Science Reviews
Jan 24, 2024 · Here we describe the novel, multi-point Comet Interceptor mission. It is dedicated to the exploration of a little-processed long-period comet.
[3]
Proposing Consortium - Comet Interceptor
On this page are listed the members of the consortium who, during 2018-2022, proposed the Comet Interceptor mission, developed its instruments, and carried out ...
[4]
ESA's new mission to intercept a comet - European Space Agency
Jun 19, 2019 · Comet Interceptor has been selected as ESA's new fast-class mission in its Cosmic Vision Programme. Comprising three spacecraft, it will be the first to visit ...
[5]
[PDF] The Comet Interceptor Mission - Keck Institute for Space Studies
Comet Interceptor proposed in response to ESA's F-class mission call. • All missions to be proposed to that call were to be directed to. Sun-Earth L2.<|control11|><|separator|>
[6]
ESA - Comet Interceptor approved for construction
Jun 8, 2022 · Comet Interceptor was proposed to ESA in July 2018 and selected in June 2019. It is an example of a 'fast' or F-class mission, which only ...Missing: origin | Show results with:origin
[7]
Comet Interceptor - Long period comet exploration mission | ISAS
The mission targets a long-period comet (or an interstellar object) to observe the cometary nucleus and coma through simultaneous, multi-point observations.
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Comet Interceptor construction moves forward - ESA
Dec 15, 2022 · ESA and OHB have signed a contract to move forward with the design and construction of ESA's ambitious Comet Interceptor spacecraft, planned for launch in 2029.
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OHB Italia and ESA sign the contract for Comet Interceptor mission ...
Nov 5, 2020 · An implementation phase will follow in 2023 to guarantee the nominal launch of Comet Interceptor in 2028, together with ESA's ARIEL mission. The ...Missing: JAXA | Show results with:JAXA
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SENER Leads Probe Construction for ESA's Comet Interceptor ...
Engineering and technology group SENER will lead the design and manufacture of the space probe and scientific instruments for the Comet Intercept.
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ESA to Launch Comet Interceptor Mission in 2028
Jun 21, 2019 · The mission was selected Wednesday after a fast-track proposal process and will be developed on a rapid (for ESA) timeline, with a launch ...Missing: phases | Show results with:phases
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Comet Interceptor: ESA selects new mission to an ancient world
The Comet Interceptor space mission led by UCL has been selected as the first €150M mission for the European Space Agency's new fast-class mission in its Cosmic ...<|separator|>
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Milestone reached in development of electronics for ESA's Comet ...
Oct 27, 2025 · Comet Interceptor is an ESA mission planned for launch in 2028–2029. The spacecraft will wait in space until a newly discovered comet approaches ...
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Science Objectives - Comet Interceptor - ESA Cosmos
Comet Interceptor is different because it will target a comet visiting the inner Solar System for the first time – perhaps from the vast Oort cloud.<|control11|><|separator|>
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ESA - Comet Interceptor factsheet - European Space Agency
History and collaboration: The mission was proposed to ESA in July 2018 in response to ESA's call for fast-class missions, and was chosen to move into a more ...
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The Comet Interceptor Mission - PMC - PubMed Central
The mission was proposed to the European Space Agency in 2018, and formally adopted by the agency in June 2022, for launch in 2029 together with the Ariel ...
[17]
Rubin Observatory will Inspire a New Era in Space Missions Without ...
Feb 7, 2024 · Vera C. Rubin Observatory will help scientists identify intriguing targets to prioritize for future space missions by detecting millions of new Solar System ...
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A potential aid in the target selection for the comet interceptor mission
Nov 1, 2023 · For instance, the interception of the comet should not exceed the delta-v budget, must occur within a heliocentric distance range of 0.9–1.2 ...
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ESA F-Class Comet Interceptor: Trajectory design to intercept a yet ...
Comet Interceptor mission pro-poses instead to intercept and explore an undiscovered Long Period Comet (LPC), which ideally would be visiting the inner Solar ...
[20]
[PDF] Comet Interceptor Science Requirements Document - ESA Cosmos
Jul 14, 2022 · The angle between the B1 impact vector and the S/C A impact vector is 45 deg. R1-N-045. R2-M-065. The B2 flyby plane angle shall be in the range ...
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The case of ESA's Comet Interceptor mission
During a flyby through the coma, dust particles can collide with the spacecraft. Depending on the impact energy, such impacts can pollute the surface of ...2 The Model · 4 Results · 6 Scaling The Results
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[PDF] COMET INTERCEPTOR - ESA Science & Technology
Dec 11, 2019 · ... Budget ... allocation to navigate the Moon swing-by. (targeting and clean-up). The transfer from SEL2 to Moon encounter takes approximately ...
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Dust impact and attitude analysis for JAXA's probe on the Comet ...
Sep 1, 2022 · This work analyzes the attitude performance of JAXA's 24U-sized spacecraft through the dust environment of a yet-to-be-discovered target comet.
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None
### Summary of Probe B2 Design (Comet Interceptor Mission)
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Instrumentation - Comet Interceptor
The system is constructed to provide over 2500 images during the fly-by for subsequent downlink and can allow saturation on the nucleus to provide optimum ...
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[PDF] THE COMET INTERCEPTOR MISSION. G. H. Jones1,2, C ...
WAC/NAC: Wide/Narrow. Angle Camera. (N. Sakatani, Rikkyo Univ.) To take images of the co- ma, tail, and nucleus around closest approach from an unique ...Missing: FOV | Show results with:FOV
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Optimal choice of closest approach distance for a comet flyby
The Wide Angle Camera (WAC) on B1 has a 90 ° × 90 ° field of view ( γ WAC = 770 μ rad pixel−1).
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Comet Interceptor's spacecraft and instruments - ESA
Comet Interceptor comprises a main spacecraft and two smaller probes. It carries a total of ten scientific instruments, each made up of one or more sensors.
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Comet Interceptor: A Rapid Response Mission To a Pristine World
Jul 3, 2024 · Comet Interceptor is the first Fast (F-class) mission in ESA's Cosmic Vision program [1], and is the first rapid response mission, waiting in space for its ...
[30]
Spacecraft potential effects on low-energy ion measurements to be ...
Jun 18, 2024 · The Comet Interceptor mission, planned to be launched in 2029, will make a flyby of a long-period or interstellar comet that ideally is ...
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The EnVisS camera for the Comet Interceptor ESA mission
Feb 26, 2025 · Due to scientific requirements and technical instrument constraints, the wavelength range for all the filter strips has been selected to be 550- ...<|separator|>
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Science - Comet Interceptor
The mission's primary science goal is to characterise, for the first time, a dynamically-new comet or interstellar object.
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Lossless Hyperspectral Image Compression in Comet Interceptor ...
OPIC is a monochromatic camera with a 2048 × 2048 px sensor and an approximately 18.2° × 18.2° field of view (FoV). EnVisS is an all-sky polarimetric camera ...
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[PDF] Comet Interceptor Mission. Deepening the Probe B2 design
Comet Interceptor mission is composed of three elements: one mother spacecraft (S/C-A), provided and operated by ESA; and two probes, named Probe B1 and Probe ...
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DISC - the dust impact sensor and counter on-board Comet Interceptor
Apr 15, 2023 · Comet Interceptor is designed to address these open questions by making unique multi-point measurements in the coma of a pristine comet.
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[PDF] ESA F-Class Comet Interceptor: Trajectory Design to Intercept a Yet ...
This range of [0.9,1.25] au is used here in order to account for both Δv budget constraints, as well as thermal design constraints [3]. The intersection points ...
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https://www.mdpi.com/2072-4292/17/5/899
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https://indico.global/event/5634/contributions/45021/attachments/21996/37036/Comet%2520Interceptor%2520Mission.%2520Deepening%2520the%2520Probe%2520B2%2520design_Delmas.pdf