Rosetta’s lander lasted just 60 hours on a comet before bouncing into the dark shadows of a cliff, where its solar panels couldn’t power the spacecraft. Why didn’t it carry a more reliable power source, say a nuclear battery like one that’s unfailingly fueled Voyager for decades? It’s a simple question with a fascinating answer, one that begins with the Cold War and ends with the future space exploration. Read more…
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We Are Running Out of the Nuclear Fuel That Powers Space Travel
Against all odds, Philae has confirmed that the first ever drilling of a comet has happened! ESA has received telemetry data indicating that the drill went down and up. The probe will now analyze whatever material the drill has managed to grab. What is Philae going to find? Perhaps the buildi ng blocks of life? UPDATED 2. Read more…
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First comet drilling ever confirmed: 100% successful mission, says ESA
Rosetta, the comet-exploring spacecraft, has finally gotten within sight of the comet it’s been traveling towards for the first time since waking up from its 2-year long slumber through deep space — and it sent back the pictures to prove it. Read more…
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Rosetta Just Caught Its First Glimpse of Its Destination Comet