The European comet lander known as Philae has detected organic molecules that contain the element that is the basis of life on Earth and that element is carbon. The Philae made the discovery before its battery ran out and the lander had to shut down. The German scientists who are in charge of the Philae comet lander said that they do not know for sure if the organic molecules found on the comet … [Read more...]
Philae Fades Into Deep Sleep as Batteries Die
Back when Neil Armstrong took his first steps on the moon, a whole world gasped in awe. Now that Philae has also achieved the near impossible by landing on the surface of 67P/G-C, the world experienced the same feeling once more. After its historic landing on the comet on November 12th, the Philae robotic lander began sending readings and data back to Earth. Now, Philae sent its final message … [Read more...]
ESA in for 7 Hours of Terror During Risky Comet Landing
The European Space Agency (ESA) will be attempting one of its most difficult missions to date as it will try to land a probe on the surface of a comet whizzing through space. If successful, the mission will be the first of its kind. The robotic Philae probe will be landing on Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko’s surface on Wednesday, the 12th of November. 69P/C-G is approximately 2.5 miles wide … [Read more...]
ESA Chose Comet Landing Site for Rosetta Space Mission
Rosetta, the European Space Agency comet chaser has finally learned its landing site. Rosetta was launched ten years ago by ESA to examine Comet 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko. This space mission is unprecedented, as Rosetta will deploy Philae, a robotic lander, on the comet. Philae will be the first lander on a comet and will provide invaluable information about the mysterious blocks of ice and mud … [Read more...]
