How a tiny lander survived the chaotic descent onto a comet
In short: Landing on a comet is a high-stakes gamble against gravity. In November 2014, the Philae lander departed the Rosetta spacecraft to face an unpredictable surface. To avoid drifting into space, engineers designed a complex system of ice screws and harpoons to anchor the probe during its mission.
The descent of the Philae lander in November 2014 was a mission of extreme technical precision. Departing from the Rosetta spacecraft to investigate comet 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko, the probe required several hours to reach the surface. Because the comet possesses extremely low gravity, the landing design had to account for minimal weight and the risk of bouncing away upon impact. This descent aimed to study the unique characteristics of the 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko comet. The mission's success depended on navigating this unpredictable celestial body.
To secure itself, Philae was equipped with a multi-layered anchoring system. The landing gear was designed to absorb the small forces of impact, while ice screws in the feet and a harpoon system were intended to lock the probe to the surface. To prevent the harpoon's impulse from pushing the lander in the opposite direction, a thruster on top was designed to push downward simultaneously. This mechanism aimed to counteract the physical forces generated during the landing process. Such engineering was vital to ensure the probe remained stationary.
The actual landing proved complex, involving multiple landings and a bouncing trajectory. Data revealed that the first touchdown site, Agilkia, consisted of a granular soft surface with a compressive strength of approximately 1 kilopascal, extending at least 20 centimeters deep over a potentially more rigid layer. In contrast, the final landing site, Abydos, was found to have a hard surface. These findings were determined by analysing engineering and operational instrument data. This research provides insights into the comet's mechanical properties, such as its layering.
Once successfully anchored, Philae's primary science mission was limited by its initial battery lifetime of 64 hours. A consortium headed by ASI, CNES, MPS, and DLR supplied the lander. The mission was a collaborative effort involving several international space agencies. This consortium ensured the lander was fully equipped for its scientific objectives.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Philae’s descent and science on the surface
- Also: The landing(s) of Philae and inferences about comet surface mechanical properties
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