The Philae lander—the brave little toaster that was sent to Comet 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko to analyze its conditions and components—may have beamed out its last report, according to a new statement released by the European Space Administration.
Philae landed on the comet more than a year ago, in November of 2014—and somewhat unsuccessfully. Saddled with a faulty thruster and failing to launch its harpoons intended to anchor it to the surface, it actually bounced more than a kilometer (or roughly 2/3 of a mile) from where the scientists planned for it to hunker down. Instead, it plopped in a spot that didn’t have as much sunlight—an enormous problem, as it is solar-powered.
Scientists impressively still managed to complete about 80% of their planned experiments and measurements, including taking images of the comet surface, searching for organic compounds, and detailing the environment of the comet—all of which were revolutionary insights.
Fewer than three days later, the batteries—unable to be charged by the sun—were drained of their power, and Philae fell into hibernation.
Not dead yet
It was strongly doubted whether it would wake up again, but miraculously, it did—in April of 2015, as the comet made its approach to its closest point near the sun (perihelion). Researchers had no idea, however, until June, when it finally was able to make contact. It sent out hundreds of data packets it had in queue, giving scientists data they never believed they would have the chance to pore over.
It was able to make contact several more times, although the signal was incredibly weak. On July 9th, it sent out the last transmission received—and researchers aren’t hopeful for more.
“The chances for Philae to contact our team at our lander control centre are unfortunately getting close to zero,” said Stephan Ulamec, Philae project manager at the German Aerospace Center. “We are not sending commands any more and it would be very surprising if we were to receive a signal again.”
The Rosetta spacecraft, which is set to meet up with Philae on the comet in the upcoming months, will continue to listen for the lander’s signals—although it’s suspected that either Philae’s transmitters and receivers have failed, or dust has coated its solar panels to the point where it can no longer charge.
“We would be very surprised to hear from Philae again after so long, but we will keep Rosetta’s listening channel on until it is no longer possible due to power constraints as we move ever further from the Sun towards the end of the mission,” said Patrick Martin, ESA’s Rosetta mission manager.
Not a letdown
But this doesn’t mean that Philae has been a disappointment. Indeed, the hardiness if the Little Lander That Could speaks to the ability of those who engineered it.
“The fact that the lander had survived the multiple impacts on 12 November and then unfavourable environmental conditions, greatly exceeding the specifications of its various electronic components, was quite remarkable,” wrote the ESA in their statement.
Moreover, Rosetta will continue the work it began on the comet once it lands—and scientists have learned plenty of exciting new things besides.
“Philae has been a tremendous challenge and for the lander teams to have achieved the science results that they have in the unexpected and difficult circumstances is something we can all be proud of,” said Martin.
“The combined achievements of Rosetta and Philae, rendezvousing with and landing on a comet, are historic high points in space exploration.”
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Feature Image: ESA
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