Go-go-go! Rosetta’s Philae lander descent to comet surface

The final check confirmed that all systems of the Rosetta probe are functioning properly and its Philae lander is ‘go’ for comet landing, reported ESA.

On Tuesday a problem with Philae was detected, when the lander’s systems failed to log on properly at first. To avoid any possible problems, ESA specialists had to reboot the module to achieve proper functioning of the systems and scientific equipment on board.

"The cold gas thruster on top of the lander does not appear to be working so we will have to rely fully on the harpoons at touchdown," said Stephan Ulamec, Philae Lander Manager at the DLR German Aerospace Center, as quoted by AP.

RT @ESA_Rosetta: Last chance to enjoy the view from up here @Philae2014! #CometLanding day is here! pic.twitter.com/GzU5ESsBha

— ESA (@esa) November 12, 2014

All the way ‘down’ to the comet the lander will be taking pictures of the comet and its environment, all this traveling along the comet through space at the speed of 135,000kph.

It is taking 28 minutes and 20 seconds for a signal from lander retranslated by Rosetta’s antennas to reach the control station on Earth.

RT @Philae2014: Yes! My @Philae_MUPUS instrument has been switched on. With its 3 sensors, it will study #67P surface material #CometLanding

— ESA Operations (@esaoperations) November 12, 2014

Are you one of those? We definitely are!

Freaking loving this #cometlanding excitement. Here's twitter right now #landonthatspacethingpic.twitter.com/ZDRkYgv4O5

— IvorCrotty (@IvorCrotty) November 12, 2014

Standby for separation @philae2014… #CometLanding

— ESA Rosetta Mission (@ESA_Rosetta) November 12, 2014

The lander separated from the probe at 08:35 GMT at a distance of about 22km from the comet. After this final part of its journey, the lander will harpoon itself to the surface of the space body and commence a series of experiments.

It is taking 28 minutes and 20 seconds for a signal from lander retranslated by Rosetta’s antennas to reach the control station on Earth.

Ready when you are, @ESA_Rosetta. Give me a little nudge? #CometLanding

— Philae Lander (@Philae2014) November 12, 2014

Separation confirmation expected by @ESA_Rosetta mission team on ground at 09:03 GMT / 10:03 CET #CometLanding

— ESA Operations (@esaoperations) November 12, 2014

The signal from Rosetta has arrived with nearly half-an-hour’s delay, confirming that the Philae lander has successfully separated from the Rosetta probe.