Oxygen found in Comet
ESA’s Rosetta spacecraft made the first in situ detection of oxygen molecules outgassing from a comet, an unexpected observation that challenges current Solar System formation models.
New Horizons makes historic Pluto flyby
After nearly a decade-long journey, NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft has made its flyby of the Pluto and its moons. New Horizons Website
Comet Lander Philae Wakes Up
Rosetta’s lander Philae has emerged from hibernation. Comet Lander Philae, which shut down 64 hours after the historic comet landing in November 2014, has sent back signals indicating that it is in good health. ESA Post – June 14, 2015 | Twitter
Philae Lander Yields Rich Data
In the 64 hours before the Philae comet lander went into hibernation, it conducted experiments, deployed all 10 instruments, and returned data that is now being analysed.
Historic Comet Landing Confirmed
ESA’s Rosetta mission has landed its Philae lander on Comet 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko, marking the first time in history this has been accomplished.
One Day to Comet Landing
Rosetta’s Philae probe is set to attempt the historic first landing on a comet on November 12. Watch live at http://rosetta.esa.int/
Comet Siding Spring Mars encounter on October 19
Comet C/2013 A1, also known as comet Siding Spring, will graze the planet Mars on Sunday within about 139,500 km, less than half the earth-moon distance. Spacecraft orbiting around mars are getting prepped for the encounter.
Rosetta arrives at comet
Launched in 2004, the Rosetta spacecraft has finally arrived at comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko. It will be the “first mission in history to rendezvous with a comet, escort it as it orbits the Sun, and deploy a lander to its surface”. Follow the event live at:
Rosetta spacecraft 5 days from arrival at comet
As the ESA’s Rosetta spacecraft closes to within 1000 km of Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko, the Rosetta science team has released a new image and made the first temperature measurements of the comet’s core. Rosetta Website – http://sci.esa.int/rosetta/