Bbc news comet landing

A historic moment in space exploration!

On November 12, 2014, the European Space Agency's (ESA) Philae lander successfully landed on Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko, marking a major milestone in the history of space exploration. Here's a summary of the event:

Background: Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko, also known as Comet 67P, is a small, icy comet that orbits the Sun every 6.5 years. The ESA's Rosetta spacecraft was launched in 2004 to study the comet and its environment. In 2014, Rosetta entered into orbit around the comet, and the Philae lander was released to descend to the comet's surface.

The Landing: At 08:03 GMT on November 12, 2014, Philae separated from Rosetta and began its descent to the comet's surface. The lander used a harpoon and ice screws to anchor itself to the comet's surface, but due to a malfunction, it bounced twice before finally coming to rest on the comet's surface.

Confirmation of Landing: After a tense wait, the ESA confirmed that Philae had successfully landed on the comet's surface at 16:03 GMT. The lander sent back a series of images and scientific data, including the first-ever images of a comet's surface.

Philae's Mission: Philae's primary mission was to study the comet's surface composition, search for signs of water and organic molecules, and investigate the comet's internal structure. Although the lander's initial landing was not as planned, it still managed to send back valuable data and images, providing scientists with a unique insight into the comet's composition and behavior.

Legacy: The Philae landing marked a significant achievement in space exploration, demonstrating the capability to land a spacecraft on a comet's surface. The mission also provided valuable insights into the composition and behavior of comets, which are thought to have played a crucial role in the formation of our solar system.

Rosetta's Legacy: Rosetta's mission was a groundbreaking achievement, and its legacy extends beyond the Philae landing. The spacecraft orbited the comet for over a year, providing unprecedented insights into the comet's composition, atmosphere, and magnetic field. Rosetta's data has helped scientists better understand the origins of our solar system and the potential for life beyond Earth.

The Philae landing and Rosetta mission have paved the way for future comet and asteroid missions, inspiring new generations of scientists and engineers to explore the mysteries of our solar system.