http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Rosetta/SEMZC04VU1G_0.html http://sci.esa.int/science-e/www/object/index.cfm?fobjectid=31397 Rosetta was sucessfully launched on 2 March 2004 by an Ariane-5 G+ from Kourou, French Guiana. In order to gain enough orbital energy to reach its target four gravity assists are required: one by Mars and three by Earth. The long mission duration has required the introduction of extended hibernation periods.