Comet 67P/Churyamov-Gerasimenko

The Philae lander, seen here heading to a comet's surface after leaving the Rosetta spacecraft in 2014, isn't expected to send any more signals, the European Space Agency says.

Science

History-Making Philae Lander Faces 'Eternal Hibernation' On Comet

12:10pm February 12, 2016

by Bill Chappell

A tweet issued by the European Space Agency includes a cartoon showing the Rosetta orbiter thinking about its little lander taking a nap on the comet's cold surface.

The Philae lander beamed back images showing one of its three feet on the surface of Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko. This photo is compiled from two images.

Comet Lander Wakes Up, Calls Home, After Long Sleep

5:44am June 15, 2015

by Scott Neuman

A little sunlight applied to solar panels proved the cure for what ailed the European Space Agency's Philae lander, which had been dormant from lack of power since November.

An image of Comet 67P/C-G taken on Feb. 6 from a distance of about 77 miles to the comet center.

Science

PHOTO: Rosetta Sends 'An Impressive New Perspective' On Comet

12:45pm February 11, 2015

by Krishnadev Calamur

The European Space Agency probe has sent a new image of Comet 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko from about 77 miles away.

Close-ups of a curious surface texture on Comet 67P nicknamed "goosebumps," all of them at a scale of around 3 meters and spanning areas more than 100 meters.

Science

Goosebumps And Gas: New Data From Rosetta Probe Describes Comet

9:16pm January 22, 2015

by Bill Chappell

We're learning more about the comet that a European Space Agency paired up with its Rosetta probe last fall. For one thing, it has "goosebumps" on steep cliff faces. It's also highly porous.

Engineers at the European Space Agency fear that they won't be able to communicate with the Philae lander after Friday. Here, lander manager Stefan Ulamec (left, in foreground) watches as data confirming the comet landing arrived Wednesday.

Science

Comet Lander Deploys Drill, But Could Lose Power Tonight

12:38pm November 14, 2014

by Bill Chappell

Fearing that Philae's batteries won't last past Friday, engineers are looking at possible ways to help it get more power from its solar panels. One ray of hope: Its comet is heading toward the sun.

Photo Shows Lander Sitting On Comet After Bounce-Landing

12:11pm November 13, 2014

by Bill Chappell

Before the Philae lander came to rest on the surface of a comet Wednesday, it bounced — twice. The lander weighs far less on the comet than it did on Earth.

Researchers had thought comet 67P was shaped like a lumpy potato. But as they drew closer, they realized it was far stranger. This image was taken on Sept. 19 at a distance of around 18 miles from the comet.

Science

Researchers To Attempt Robotic Landing On Comet's Surface

10:12am November 11, 2014

by Geoff Brumfiel

Putting a probe on a comet's surface would be a first for mankind. But it doesn't look like it will be easy.

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Closeup of Philae's primary landing Site J, which is located on the "head" of Comet 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko. The image was taken by Rosetta's OSIRIS narrow-angle camera on Aug. 20.

European Scientists Choose Site For Rosetta's Comet Touchdown

12:04pm September 15, 2014

by Scott Neuman

After a decade-long journey to reach Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko, the ESA says it has found the best spot for a planned November landing.