The uncertain fate of the mission to the comet – Republic

The first panoramic image of the comet probes sent from ESA / ESA / Rosetta / Philae / CIVA

Source: ESA

The lander Philae, who settled on the surface of the comet Churyumov-Gerasimenko may have new problems. Engineers are concerned that not enough energy to perform scientific plan.

As the lander is not settled exactly on the desired location, the solar panels do not receive such a dose of energy that is planned. Specialists in mission control are concerned that the batteries run out soon – within a few hours after landing.

It is known far enough that the lander began drilling the surface of a comet. Samples are to be addressed in the internal on-board laboratory. Will be heated and apparatus checks coming out chemicals. Include for such an operation may not be enough energy.

– drill work today, but I do not know if we managed to collect samples and transfer them to the lab. That just know – said Stephan Ulamec, manager of Philae landing operations. – It would be fantastic if it worked, but we are not sure. The battery pack may fall before it will establish contact again.

As pointed out by the BBC referring to information of the European Space Agency (ESA), although a little lander receives solar energy, however, is not enough to operate normally. Energy is sufficient to Saturday.

This is not the only threat to the mission to a comet. The drill has been extended to a maximum distance. This means that there is a risk that the lander to tip over. On the other hand, the drill can help to move the probe in the place where is the more sunlight. – We hope that the operation will succeed, but we do not know how far we can push – says the BBC’s network of prof. Monica Grady of the Open University.

Another idea is reflected from the surface and re-landing – but it says Valentina Lommatsch from the German Space Agency, the most risky option.

What’s the worst Scientists have not yet determined exactly where he eventually settled on a comet lander. Remaining at a distance parent Rosetta obfotografowała area, also repeatedly alluded communication with the lander to the method of triangulation to determine its position.

Rosetta Mission is the work of scientists of the European Space Agency. The probe was sent in 2004. On her back was traveling lander Philae. That is the camera managed to historic first soft landing on the surface of a comet. The scientific part of the mission includes the collection of material that – as scientists believe – comes from the time of the formation of our solar system.

-bbc

No part or whole songs contained in the log can not be reproduced or further distributed in any form or by any means ( including electronic, mechanical or otherwise, or for all fields of use) including copying, the broader digitization, photocopying or copying, including posting on the Internet – without the express written consent of Gremi Business Communication. Any use or the use of songs in whole or in part without permission Gremi Business Communication or authors of the violation of law is forbidden under penalty and may be prosecuted.