At first it was just a model...(01 of19)
Open Image ModalSeen here with European Space Agency Director of Science Prof Roger Bonnet in 2003. (credit:Matthew Fearn/PA Archive)
And then they built it for real.(02 of19)
Open Image ModalWorkers are seen at spacecraft Rosetta with thermal blankets during testing in the Large Space Simulator in the Netherlands in 2004. (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Preparing for launch,(03 of19)
Open Image ModalThe European Ariane V rocket, carrying spacecraft Rosetta, stands at its launching pad at the Kourou space base, French Guiana, Wednesday Feb. 25, 2004. (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
The Launch.(04 of19)
Open Image ModalOn the 2 March 2004 Rosetta started its 10 year mission, launching from Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana.
And it left us behind.(05 of19)
Open Image ModalThis handout picture from the European Space Agency (ESA) retrieved on September 3, 2008 shows an artist's rendition of ESA's probe Rosetta leaving Earth. (credit:Getty Images)
This was the target.(06 of19)
Open Image ModalThis rather daunting image shows the size of the comet, providing some perspective of the titanic task that ESA is facing.
It's big.(07 of19)
Open Image Modal(08 of19)
Open Image ModalArtist's impression of the European Space Agency (ESA) probe Rosetta with Mars in the background. It also passed by Jupiter, slingshotting around the planet to gain speed in order to catch up with Comet 67P. (credit:Getty Images)
The comet came closer...(09 of19)
Open Image Modal (credit:APN)
(10 of19)
Open Image ModalTaken at a distance of around 110km this image was taken in August 2014 and shows on of the clearest images yet of Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko.
(11 of19)
Open Image ModalThe image shows the spectacular region of activity at the 'neck' of 67P/C-G. This is the product of ices sublimating and gases escaping from inside the comet, carrying streams of dust out into space.
Rosetta 'Selfie'(12 of19)
Open Image ModalThis incredible double exposure image was taken at just 16km. In the foreground you can see one of Rosetta's large 14m solar wings while in the background is the comet itself.
(13 of19)
Open Image ModalRosetta OSIRIS wide-angle camera image of Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko shows the extensive activity taking place at the 'neck' of the comet.
It picked its landing site.(14 of19)
Open Image ModalThis small, unassuming patch of ground is where the ESA hopes to make history by being the first organisation to land on a comet. The photo is a collage of different images taken from around 30km.
And now?(15 of19)
Open Image ModalThis image provided by the European Space Agency ESA shows an artists impression of the Rosetta orbiter deploying the Philae lander to comet 67P/ChuryumovGerasimenko (credit:AP)
How Will It Land?(16 of19)
Open Image ModalTo help avoid any unnecessary complications the ESA is taking no chances. Once the thruster pushes Philae onto the comet's surface foot screws will immediately lock the lander down while tiny Harpoons will shoot down, essentially 'anchoring' the tiny lander.
Exploring A Comet(17 of19)
Open Image ModalUndated artistic sketch of Philae on the comet. (credit:Getty Images)
And now we wait.(18 of19)
Open Image ModalEmployees work in the control room of ESA in Darmstadt, Germany. (credit:AP)
(19 of19)
Open Image ModalThe picture taken with the navigation camera on Rosetta and released by the European Space Agency ESA shows the boulder-strewn neck region of Comet 67P/ChuryumovâGerasimenko, with the smaller lobe on the left and the larger lobe on the right. (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)