Philae – lander mission is at stake? – Interia

1 hr. 37 minutes ago

The lander Philae, despite the initial success of the mission, has problems. Is illuminated only by 1.5 hours per day – is not enough to recharge the batteries. As it turned out, the lander settled down about a kilometer from the place of pre-planned by the ESA. What’s next?

Philae lander on the comet – graphical visualization prepared by the ESA

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The European Space Agency (ESA) has selected the landing of Philae – Sampler Rosetta, who has to settle on the surface of comet 67P / Churyumov-Gerasimenko. This is an important mission for all mankind. What is the job of the sony and what will be doing after landing on a comet? read more

Before he settled on a comet lander, twice bounced off its surface. The first jump was 2 hours. As mentioned, the lander settled about 1 km away from the point of first contact with the nucleus. It’s a big problem, because the solar Philae not load as quickly as planned. Check the surface of the comet takes 12.4 hours – we read on the site ( Kosmonauta.net ). All indications are that lądownikowi may run out of energy at the weekend.

What in this situation can do ESA? Firstly, the lander is not properly anchored to the substrate. Control of the use of ESA is concerned with the moving parts of Philae. Too rapid maneuver can lead to a situation in which the lander simply leave the surface (clear of the area) and fly away into space. The force of gravity on a comet is 100 000 times less than on Earth – so you have to be careful. Currently, ESA is planning to make a few safe operations, trying to collect more solar energy to the lander. Then, Rosetta will perform a series of images, so that we will know the exact location of the lander. Then ESA will decide what action should be taken.

If you can not move the lander, the only option would be the introduction of Philae to sleep for a few months, until, in the area where is located the lander will be more sunny, it depends on the changes in the activity of a comet or its position relative to the sun.

Head of ESA’s operations, Paolo Ferri, said Philae is still ahead 1-2 before the scheduled communication sessions is exhausted batteries. The Agency is doing everything in its power to not lead to a situation in which the lander on the comet will be without power.

The first panoramic image taken by the camera lander Philae. Fig. ESA / Rosetta / Philae / CIVA

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