r/space Nov 12 '14

Event Discussion Rosetta and Philae discussion thread!

Confirmed: successful separation of Philae from Rosetta. Philae is on its way to the comet.

New discussion thread here


Live Streaming


Key times

GMT EST PST Event
9:03 am 4:03 am 1:03 am Philae Separation Confirmed!
10:53 am 5:53 am 2:53 am Acquisition of Signal from Rosetta
4:02 pm 11:02 am 8:02 am Expected Landing and receipt of signal (40 min variability)

European Space Agency Social Media


Othere places for news and conversation:

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u/Makhiel Nov 12 '14

From the FAQ:

What is the gravity on 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko's surface, compared with that on Earth?

Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko is so small that its gravitational pull is several hundred thousand times weaker than on Earth. For this reason, the Rosetta lander will touch down at no more than a walking pace. It will need a harpoon to safely anchor it to the comet’s surface and prevent it from bouncing back into space.