And to do some of that science directly on the nucleus, Rosetta would have to successfully deliver the
Philae lander to the surface.
The probe and
Philae, which reached the surface of the comet in November 2014, have produced a wealth of data providing clues about the origins of our solar system and life on Earth.
Tests conducted by
Philae after it bounced to the surface in November 2014 showed the comet held an unusual form of water not common on Earth and carbon-containing organic molecules - the building blocks of life.
Earlier British planetary scientist Professor Monica Grady, from the Open University, who was closely involved in the design of the
Philae lander, said she had "very mixed feelings" about the death of Rosetta.
Philae is on its side with one leg sticking out into sunlight.
When the tiny lander
Philae bounced on to comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko on November 12, 2014, before vanishing into a dark crevice, it won the mission millions of fans around the world.
The Rosetta space probe's Osiris camera took clear images just 1.7 miles away from the ice-ball, showing
Philae's one-metre sized body and two of its three legs sticking out from rocks.
In November 2014 it released
Philae, achieving the first landing of a spacecraft on a comet.
Images taken from Rosetta at a distance of 2.7km showed
Philae wedged into a dark crack on Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko, the ESA said on Monday.
It will join its sidekick
Philae, the lander that touched down on the icy surface nearly two years ago.
The Oberoi Group announced that the Oberoi
Philae, Luxury Nile Cruiser, Egypt will sail between Aswan and Luxor, offering a four- and six-night itinerary.