TORONTO, June 15, 2015 – The Rosetta mission has expanded capabilities. Philae, which landed on the comet 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko seven months ago, is back in action.
In hibernation since November, Philae has now sent word to its ground team at ESA’s European Space Operations Centre.
The lander’s solar powered battery has been recharged as a result of the comet’s diminishing distance from the Sun. The Lander Control Center at the German Aerospace Center has analysed some 300 data packets and there are still another 8,000 data packets in Philae’s memory. Once completely analysed, it is hoped that full science operations aboard Philae can resume.
What does this mean for the climax of the mission?
The following York University’s experts are available to discuss the importance of Philae being back in operation:
- Paul Delaney, director of the York University Observatory and a senior lecturer in the Department of Physics and Astronomy in York’s Faculty of Science
- PhD astronomy Candidate Jesse Rogerson
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Media contact:
Sandra McLean, Media Relations, 416-736-2100 ext. 22097, sandramc@yorku.ca
