• Question: Hi scientists! If you had been watching it, which you probably have, how did you feel about the recent comet-landing thing

    Asked by SophieW :) to Heather, Helen, Hugh, Jane, Julian on 13 Nov 2014. This question was also asked by RowantheBird, Ahmed Omer.
    • Photo: Jane MacArthur

      Jane MacArthur answered on 13 Nov 2014:

      It was totally awesome! Its a stunning achievement for the European Space Agency and everyone involved with the Rosetta mission. The Philae Lander should return some fantastic science as 8 of the 10 instruments are all returning data (the other two are a drill and something else which they need to think carefully about how and where to use them).
      In addition we mustn’t forget that Rosetta is safely navigating around the comet and has been returning data for months already, and is expected to last another year, which should lead to many new discoveries and a better understanding of comets and processes happening on them.

    • Photo: Julian Onions

      Julian Onions answered on 13 Nov 2014:

      It was completely amazing and we all followed it here. Every step of the way.
      It’s amazing we can build a machine that runs so well for 10 years IN SPACE and still works when it comes to land. Incredible.

    • Photo: Helen Johnson

      Helen Johnson answered on 14 Nov 2014:

      I think it’s fantastic! Even more amazing when you think that the technology is already 10 years old. I’m really excited to carry on following Philae and Rosetta’s progress – we’re going to know a whole lot more about comets than we ever have done before! We all watched the landing live feed in my office (me and other PhD students). I just hope Philae is okay after bouncing along the surface – the scientists are a bit concerned he won’t be able to charge the solar powered batteries as well because he landed in a difference place than planned.

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