20th January 2014

Comet-chasing Rosetta probe awakes from hibernation

This evening – at 18:17 GMT – the European Space Agency's Rosetta spacecraft awoke from hibernation mode in preparation for its encounter with a comet, 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko.

The probe was launched in March 2004 and performed several flybys – of Earth, Mars and two asteroids – before entering a low power state in June 2011, in order to conserve energy. It has now reawakened and successfully communicated with ESA teams back on Earth.

The spacecraft consists of two main elements: the orbiter, which features 12 instruments, and the "Philae" robotic lander with an additional nine instruments. The first images of 67P are expected in May, from 2 million km (1.25 million mi) away. Rendezvous with the comet occurs in August this year, with deployment of the lander in November. Because of the comet's extremely low gravity, a harpoon system will lock the probe and drag it towards the surface, with legs dampening its eventual impact. Additional drills are used to further secure the lander on the comet.

Once on the surface, Philae will conduct the most detailed study of a comet ever attempted. Measurements of the ice, nucleus and chemical compounds present could reveal new details about the Solar System's history; perhaps even the origin of life itself. Among its many instruments are a drill that will bore 23 cm below the surface. A camera will also take high-resolution images (2048 × 2048 pixels) of the descent and a panorama of the landing site.

Rosetta will be the first spacecraft to fly alongside a comet as it heads towards the inner Solar System and the first to examine at close range how a frozen comet is transformed by the Sun's warmth. The mission runs until December 2015.

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