Over the course of the last decade the ESA’s Rosetta spacecraft has been racing through the solar system in a mad dash to catch up with comet 67P/C-G. In early August of this year the intrepid craft finally arrived in orbit around its target, closing within 30 km (19 mi.) of 67P/C-G’s surface. Since that time the Rosetta has winnowed down five potential landing sites for its Philae lander to just one, and conducted remote scientific assessments of the rock. Now, with all of the mission’s preparatory work in place it’s time to make history.
In a few short hours the 100kg (220lb) Philae lander will detach itself from its mother craft and begin a 7-hour decent towards the surface of comet 67P/C-G. As the lander nears the end of its controlled free fall its legs will be used to absorb the shock of impact and shortly thereafter a series of harpoons will be catapulted into the surface of the comet, anchoring Philae in place.
If the lander reaches its target, lands on stable ground, anchors itself properly and radios home it’ll become the first man-made vehicle to ever land on a comet.
Think that that’s a petty accomplishment when compared to landing on the Moon or Mars? Well, consider this, during its journey Rosetta and Philae have swung around Earth three times, Mars once and made a pass around Jupiter building enough speed to rendezvous with 67P/C-G. Even after all of that travel the robotic pair have still been able to maintain their course and intersect a rock travelling at an extraordinary clip.
Once firmly cemented to 67P/C-G’s surface Philae will begin a two and a half day scientific mission which will capture hi-res photos of the comet’s surface, take magnetic field and gas measurements, and also examine a number of 67P/C-G’s other surface properties. After conducting those tests, Philae’s primary batteries are expected to give out. However, if the solar panels covering Philae’s body prove to be functional the lander’s mission could be extended for a further 3 months allowing for an in depth look at Churyumov-Gerasimenko.
The ESA expects to know if Philae has successfully landed on 67P around 11:02 EST. Stay tuned.
UPDATE: PHILAE HAS LANDED SUCCESSFULLY!!!
- Philae has sent messages to the team at ESA noting that the harpoons have been fired, and the craft's landing gear have retracted. The lander is not sitting on the surface of 67P/C-G.
- 2:18PM EST - Philae's harpoons apparently failed to secure the lander to the rock, however, the ESA's vehicle is still on the comet's surface.
- 2:31PM EST - The first images from Philae have come in:
Image and Video Courtesy of ESA