Rosetta spacecraft

The Philae lander beamed back images showing one of its three feet on the surface of Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko . This photo is compiled from two images; a wider version will be released later Thursday.

Photo Shows Lander Sitting On Comet After Bounce-Landing

12:11pm November 13, 2014

by Bill Chappell

Before the Philae lander came to rest on the surface of a comet Wednesday, it bounced — twice. The lander weighs far less on the comet than it did on Earth.

A photo illustration from the European Space Agency shows what a landing by the Philae robotic craft might look like on the 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko comet. The lander headed toward the comet Wednesday.

Science

Comet Landing A Success: European Craft Makes 'Fairly Gentle Touchdown'

7:07pm November 12, 2014

by Bill Chappell

Millions of miles from Earth, the Philae robotic lander has settled on the comet's surface, the European Space Agency says.

Researchers had thought comet 67P was shaped like a lumpy potato. But as they drew closer, they realized it was far stranger. This image was taken on Sept. 19 at a distance of around 18 miles from the comet.

Science

Researchers To Attempt Robotic Landing On Comet's Surface

10:12am November 11, 2014

by Geoff Brumfiel

Putting a probe on a comet's surface would be a first for mankind. But it doesn't look like it will be easy.

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