To rescue the probe Philae require emergency measures – Lenta.ru

During the day, have passed since the historic landing of a probe on the surface of Philae comet 67P / Churyumov-Gerasimenko, scientists became aware of the many problems that put the entire mission in jeopardy. The probe is in an unstable position and, more importantly, in the shade, which is many times reduced the expected time of the device.

On the morning of November 13, it became known that the probe is pushed away from the surface twice before you sit down at a point distant from scientists selected for planting “Agiliki.” Philae was unable to attach to the comet harpoons. Moreover, only two of the three pillars of the probe based in rock, a third is hanging in space (ie probe bent a few degrees).

But most scientists inspires fear more: the probe is in the shade of a huge rock, why sunlight falls on its batteries only 90 minutes every 12 hours. If the employees of the European Space Agency (ESA) will not be able to move to a more Philae lighted area, its batteries are exhausted after two days. Earlier it was expected that the scientific instruments of the probe can work for several weeks. Eight out of ten instruments Philae send data back to Earth, and scientists tend to squeeze the most from them useful.

At the same time employees ESA gaze into the image of a comet sent by Rosetta, hoping to see them on the probe, which occupies an area of ​​3×3 in the picture pixels . “We are all eyes overlooked. The landscape of the comet is too complex to include automatic search, “- said in an interview with New Scientist responsible for the OSIRIS camera Sirks Holger (Holger Sierks).

14:31 November 12, 2014

Now in the ESA are considering move Philae in a better neighborhood. Four tool probe can move the device – and for better lighting would be sufficient shift of a few degrees. Sensor for surface studies MUPUS equipped with a small hammer, if make it move up and down, the probe can give a needed boost. Also improvised “crutch” you can try to build from the harpoon and borax. ESA specialists hold regular meetings to determine the program of future actions.

The probe Philae is on board ten tools needed for research comet nucleus. With the help of radio waves, scientists plan to study the internal structure of the comet, and the microchamber will make panoramic pictures. Also, using a drill mounted on Philae, scientists are going to take samples of cometary soil from a depth of 20 centimeters.

The mission Rosetta is the most ambitious project of the ESA. Data obtained with its help is needed to explain the process of evolution of the solar system and the appearance of water on Earth. The main organizer of the mission, ESA acts, but only in the organization of the mission involved 50 companies from 14 countries of Europe and the United States.