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.