WASHINGTON – After 10 years and 4 billion miles, preparations by the European Space Agency are underway right now for Wednesday’s landing attempt by the
Rosetta mission’s Philae lander on Comet 67/P.
ESA is live streaming the mission now. Or you can watch the landing below.
The world will be holding its collective breath as this washing machine sized
lander attempts to do what has never been done before – safely land on a comet.
If successful, and this landing is by no means assured of success due to the
hazardous conditions that will be encountered, Philae will conduct at least
several days of science observations. The lander will photograph, sample and dig
into the surface of the comet to analyze pristine cometary material.
The world should know if the landing was successful at 11:02 a.m. EDT as that is
when the touchdown signal will be received at Earth. That will be seven hours
after detaching from the Rosetta orbiter.
NASA is flying 3 of the 16 instruments
on the mission and NASA TV will begin live coverage at 9 p.m. EDT on Wednesday.
Be sure to tune in to history being made as it happens!
Can’t wait – Go Philae!
Watch the ESA’s livestream:
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