How Philae lands on the comet
Date: 07 November 2014
Satellite: Rosetta
Depicts: Philae lander on comet 67P
Copyright: ESA
At the moment of touchdown on comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko, landing gear will absorb the forces of landing while ice screws in each of the probe’s feet and a harpoon system will lock Philae to the surface. At the same time, a thruster on top of the lander will push it down to counteract the impulse of the harpoon imparted in the opposite direction.
Last Update: 1 September 2019
