Comet probe Philae now stable: Scientists
The robot probe Philae that made a historic comet landing is now stable after initially failing to attach to the surface, the BBC has learnt.
Pictures are coming back from the craft as scientists debate how to proceed.
European Space Agency engineers working on the lander say it may have bounced hundreds of metres back up off the surface after first touching down.
Scientists hope the probe will analyse the comet's surface to yield insights into the origins of our Solar System.
Robot probe Philae, that made historic landing on comet, now stable after failing to attach to surface, BBC learns http://t.co/Zjifaa8GMn
— BBC Breaking News (@BBCBreaking) November 13, 2014
Scientists were facing a tense wait to learn the fate of the robot probe that made a historic landing on a comet - but did not stay in place as planned.
Data from the Philae craft indicates it landed at least three times on the comet, after harpoons failed to attach it to the surface on the first attempt.
Philae sent images of the icy grey comet during its approach.
Great shot! MT @Philae2014: .@ESA_Rosetta See for yourself! ROLIS imaged #67P just 3km away! #CometLanding pic.twitter.com/1FwWs1tioF
— ESA Rosetta Mission (@ESA_Rosetta) November 12, 2014
After traveling 10 years to land on a comet, a #GoogleDoodle starring @Philae2014 is the least we could do! http://t.co/kRo7zkJv2e
— Google (@google) November 12, 2014
The chief of the European Space Agency said the landing - after a decade-long journey - was a "big step" for humans.
Esa Director-General Jean-Jacques Dordain described it as "a great great day, not only for Esa, but... I think for the world".
Scientists are hoping the probe will analyse the comet's surface to yield insights into the origins of our Solar System more than 4.5 billion years ago.
Esa's Rosetta satellite carried Philae on a 6.4billion-km (4bn-mile) journey to Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko.
The robot probe, the size of a washing machine, was launched from the satellite on Wednesday and spent seven hours travelling to the comet.
News of the first landing, confirmed at about 16:05 GMT on Wednesday, was received with joy at Esa's mission control in Darmstadt, Germany.
But reports about the unanchored state of Philae cast a shadow over the celebrations.
Officials said the craft may have lifted off the comet after touchdown before returning to the surface.
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