Minor bodies of the solar system

We work on ground and space based study of the minor bodies of the Solar System, Trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs), asteroids and comets. This observational work is complemented with theoretical developments of the rotational state of the minor bodies, their interiors, shape, mass and density, all this having strong implications in constrain the origin of the solar system and its evolution.

The space mission in which we are currently involve from the scientific point of view are Rosetta (ESA). The scientific exploitation of this mission points to a better knowledge of the comet nucleus and coma nature. Among the 21 instruments on board the s/c, the members of this sub-line have participated in the technical development and scientific exploitation of OSIRIS (camera system) and GIADA (dust detector). Both instruments have worked throughout the Rosetta mission until the last moment of landing of the main ship in comet Churyumov-Gerasimenko. The data produced by both instruments have provided a qualitative leap in knowledge of comets as well as a database and images for study in the coming years.