Important space news

[m_bisson]

The European Space Agency has been working for almost 20 years on this project. Basically, they've sent a lander/probe into space, they have made it orbit a large asteroid, and just today the lander module has been launched and is attempting a landing as this post is being written.

This is arguably the biggest scientific thing happening all year long. It's a big deal.

More info here:
http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Space_Science/Rosetta

[Cab0oze]

Oh yeah, I remember reading about this a while ago. Cool stuff.

[SirWanker]

This will be interesting.
Philae, the initial probe, has no engine or guidance system due to Rosetta's weight restrictions. It will simply be released by the orbiter and left to drift to the comet's surface, driven by the initial momentum of the separation and pulled by the body's weak gravity. Once in motion, no course corrections will be possible during the seven hours it will take to reach the comet's surface.

[m_bisson]

It should be noted that the comet is rotating on all 3 axes, making this the most difficult landing ever attempted anywhere.

[m_bisson]

Success!

[ooltra]

Not entirely, the harpoons didn't fire as they first thought. They are trying to figure out why and then go through refire options. Hopefully they figure it out.

https://mobile.twitter.com/esaoperations/status/532575305937211393