The European Space Agency (ESA) has announced that it has signed a contract with private space company OHB to build the Comet Interceptor project, which includes the spacecraft to “hunt” and study as-yet unidentified comets from the Oort cloud.

Comets are sometimes visible from the Oort cloud. It’s impossible to predict when a virgin comet will visit, so a “comet hunter” will set off in anticipation of astronomers finding the right target. The probe, “parked” at point L2 (where the James Webb space telescope is currently operating, by the way), will be in an advantageous position to intercept the comet and document this fleeting celestial phenomenon.

When an intact comet is discovered, the Comet Interceptor will be sent into space to rendezvous with and study the body. Pristine comets and the tails of gas they form as they approach the Sun can provide great insight into the origins of the Solar System.

Specific details about the three spacecraft that will make up the Comet Interceptor are scarce, but ESA says the Comet Interceptor will consist of a main spacecraft and two probes.