We've put robots on both the moon and mars, but scientists have never tried to soft-land a robot on a comet--until now. In this episode of The Countdown, we cover everything you need to know about the European Space Agency's groundbreaking Rosetta mission.

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More to explore:

Comet Craft Approaches Its Target (Nature)

Rosetta: To Chase a Comet (NASA)

#WakeUpRosetta Once Upon A Time... (ESA)

History of Cometary Missions (ESA)

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Credits:

Host/writer: Sophie Bushwick

Story Advisors: Clara Moskowitz & Michael Moyer

Editor: Joss Fong

Producer: Eric R. Olson