"The launch of Rosetta... shows what Europe is capable of in space," said EU research commissioner Philippe Busquin, after the Rosetta probe lifted off from the European Space Agency's launch base in Kourou, French Guiana.

"This has never been undertaken before. Science and exploratory missions are of great importance to maintaining Europe's leading role in space. Alongside the upcoming integration of the Russian 'Soyuz' rockets in Kourou, we take another step towards becoming a globally responsible space power," he added.

The commission, the European Union's executive arm, said that Rosetta -- along with the Mars Express orbiter -- "is among the key missions now pushing Europe to the forefront of space exploration."

"Projects like Rosetta show the real benefits of the European space policy. It offers valuable tools that are contributing to the achievement of many union objectives -- at an affordable cost and with greater efficiency," it said.

SPACE.WIRE