Spacecraft on Comet So far Unable to Fire Its Anchor Harpoons, Team Working on a Solution

Hang in there!

Dan Van Winkle

Published: Nov 12, 2014 12:22 pm

This article is over 10 years old and may contain outdated information

Hang on in there Philae! MT @Philae2014: I’m on the surface but my harpoons did not fire. My team now trying to determine why. #CometLanding

— ESA Rosetta Mission (@ESA_Rosetta) November 12, 2014

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Philae made history today when it became the first spacecraft to make a soft landing on a comet, but the mission isn’t over just yet. Contrary to initial reports, the spacecraft’s anchor harpoons have yet to fire, and the team is working on a solution. The harpoons are needed to keep Philae on the surface of the giant spinning comet.

More analysis of @Philae2014 telemetry indicates harpoons did not fire as 1st thought. Lander in gr8 shape. Team looking at refire options

— ESA Operations (@esaoperations) November 12, 2014

Live updates below:

Tweets by @ESA_Rosetta

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Author

Dan Van Winkle

Dan Van Winkle (he) is an editor and manager who has been working in digital media since 2013, first at now-defunct Geekosystem (RIP), and then at The Mary Sue starting in 2014, specializing in gaming, science, and technology. Outside of his professional experience, he has been active in video game modding and development as a hobby for many years. He lives in North Carolina with Lisa Brown (his wife) and Liz Lemon (their dog), both of whom are the best, and you will regret challenging him at Smash Bros.