Philae still alive on comet 67P and back in contact with the Rosetta orbiter. ESA operations currently downlinking science data. They still dont know exactly where the lander is on the comet. Battery power is the current issue -- the lack of sunlight on the solar cells means the secondary battery is unlikely to charge significantly. Unless this can be improved, its likely the probe will fall silent in the next 24 hours - and not be revived again until the comet gets closer to the sun or the comets own rotation brings more power onto the cells. A whole lot of luck is needed there. ESA Mission Control has commanded the rover to try to stretch its legs and lift up higher (~4 cm), and to rotate a larger solar panel towards the sun. This rotation has been successful, but were not sure yet whether this has resulted in increased power. Most of the science instruments have been commanded to complete their activities, including the drill. Waiting to see if the drill delivered any material to the Ptolemy instrument. Consideration is being give to try to push the legs out quickly to jump again and maybe get to a location with better sunlight. Running out of power and time to do this though.
Posted on: Fri, 14 Nov 2014 23:31:01 +0000
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