The Briefing Room
General Category => Science, Technology and Knowledge => Space => Topic started by: Ghost Bear on September 06, 2016, 09:28:50 pm
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Philae Lander's Grave on Comet Found at Last After Nearly 2-Year Search (http://www.space.com/33971-lost-philae-comet-lander-finally-found-photos.html)
The final resting place of the European comet lander Philae is a mystery no more. After nearly two years of searching, the lander's shadowy grave on Comet 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko has been found in images from its mothership Rosetta.
The European Space Agency's Philae lander touched down on Comet 67P (as scientists call it) in Nov. 12, 2014, but its final location was uncertain due to the probe's rough, bouncy landing. News of Philae's discovery comes just weeks before Rosetta — low on solar power as the comet moves away from the sun — is set for a dramatic touchdown itself on 67P's surface to end the mission. In a statement today (Sept. 5), ESA officials expressed marvel that they found Philae at almost the last minute.
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More, including incredible photos, at the link: http://www.space.com/33971-lost-philae-comet-lander-finally-found-photos.html (http://www.space.com/33971-lost-philae-comet-lander-finally-found-photos.html)
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Pretty cool.
Given the terrain it will be amazing if Rosetta does manage to "land" and send any data after..