Triumphant comet probe sends last-gasp data from 'alien world'


A handout photo released by the European Space Agency (ESA) on November 13, 2014 shows an image taken by Rosetta's lander Philae. Rosetta's lander Philae is safely on the surface of Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko, as this CIVA image confirms. One of the lander's three feet can be seen in the foreground. European scientists were hoping for a stream of data on November 13 after a robot lab made the first-ever landing on a comet, a key step in a marathon mission to probe the mysteries of space. - AFP

The lander finally settled in a crevice in a location that remains a mystery, and data revealed it was shadowed from sunlight that could have extended its core, battery-powered mission of 60-odd hours. 

First comet drilling

Among the most anticipated data from Philae is chemical analysis of a drill sample which scientists hope will shed light on the origins of the Solar System 4.6 billion years ago, and maybe even life on Earth.

The ESA confirmed that Philae had drilled Friday, though it did not specify whether a sample had been obtained.

"I confirm that my (drill) went all the way DOWN and UP again!!" said a tweet in the robot's name. "First comet drilling is a fact!"

The Rosetta-Philae team said Friday they were ecstatic with the results.

All 10 instruments on board the 100-kilogramme (22-pound) lab had kicked into action.

"This machine performed magnificently under tough conditions, and we can be fully proud of the incredible scientific success Philae has delivered," said Ulamec.

The 1.3-billion-euro ($1.6-billion) mission aims to unlock the secrets of comets, which some astrophysicists believe may have "seeded" Earth with some of the ingredients for life.

The Star Festive Promo: Get 35% OFF Digital Access

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 8.02/month

Billed as RM 96.20 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In World

Residential building collapses in Lebanon's Tripoli, trapping people, sources say
UK PM Starmer's top aide McSweeney quits over Mandelson-Epstein scandal
Ethiopia accuses Eritrea of military aggression, backing armed groups
Pressure grows on British Prime Minister Starmer over Mandelson fallout
Magniitude 5.5 earthquake strikes Cuba, EMSC says
Ukraine urges acceleration of peace talks, says only Trump can broker deal
Japan's Takaichi set for major lower house victory
Portugal votes in presidential runoff with Socialist poised for victory
Distrust, desertions, and dwindling bonuses undermine Socialist Party’s grip on Venezuela
Gunmen kill three people and abduct Catholic priest in northern Nigeria

Others Also Read