Australian astronomers will soon be at the forefront of an historic mission to carry out the first ever landing on a comet.
A robotic lander called Philae will descend from the Rosetta spacecraft in November, which reached the comet after a decade-long chase across the solar system.
Rosetta has spent several weeks orbiting what's known as Comet 67P, as the European Space Agency identified several sites for a possible landing.
When a final decision's made, astronomers at the radio telescope at New Norcia in Western Australia will play a pivotal role in ensuring it's a safe descent.
Sydney engineer Warwick Holmes, who helped build the Rosetta, told Michael Kenny it's pleasing to see Australian astronomers take on a key role in the mission.
(Click on the audio tab above to hear the full interview)
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