Objectives
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To investigate the origin, composition and evolution of comets
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To study the relationship between cometary and interstellar material
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To understand better the processes which led to the formation of the solar system
This will be achieved through:
- Global characterisation of the cometary nucleus (dynamic properties, surface morphology, composition).
- Chemical, mineralogical and isotopic compositions of volatiles and refractories in a cometary nucleus.
- Physical properties and interrelation of volatiles and refractories in a cometary nucleus.
- Study of the development of cometary activity and the processes in the surface layer of the nucleus and the inner coma (dust-gas interaction).
- Study the solar wind-comet interaction; to map the plasma boundaries and observe their evolution as cometary activity develops.