Philae lander

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 Rosetta spacecraft, which orbits the comet, captured this series of images of the Philae lander bounding off the surface. The precise spot the lander came to a stop remains unknown.

Science

Comet Lander's Big Bounce Caught On Camera

7:41pm November 17, 2014

by Geoff Brumfiel

An orbiting spacecraft caught the Philae lander bounding on the surface of Comet 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko. The lander sent home some scientific data before its batteries ran out.

Scientist Matt Taylor, left, said "I made a big mistake" by wearing a shirt featuring scantily clad women. Taylor spoke at Friday's update by the European Space Agency on the Philae lander.

'Shirtstorm' Leads To Apology From European Space Scientist

1:38pm November 14, 2014

by Bill Chappell

As the Rosetta mission made history by putting a lander on a comet, one of its leading scientists drew wide criticism for wearing a shirt featuring lingerie-clad women.

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.

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; a wider version will be released later Thursday.

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.

A photo illustration from the European Space Agency shows what a landing by the Philae robotic craft might look like on the 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko comet. The lander headed toward the comet Wednesday.

Science

Comet Landing A Success: European Craft Makes 'Fairly Gentle Touchdown'

7:07pm November 12, 2014

by Bill Chappell

Millions of miles from Earth, the Philae robotic lander has settled on the comet's surface, the European Space Agency says.