The European Space Agency (ESA) said the comet lander Philae has awakened from seven-month-long hibernation. It was able to communicate with the mission team at earth for more than a minute.

Scientists explained that the spacecraft is the first one to land on a comet. In November, it touched the icy surface of 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko. Before Philae's batteries ended and its systems shut down, the probe has carried out experiments and sent data to earth for around 60 hours.

It was expected that the comet's solar panels will be able to soak light to change the battery. Since March 12, the Rosetta team has been on high alert for the signals from the probe. But the researchers were not aware whether or not the extra sunlight will be able to recharge Philae's batteries.

On Saturday night it got confirmed that the probe's panels have soaked enough light when it sent a signal back to earth.

Mark McCaughrean, senior science adviser at the agency, was of the view that they are quite excited that the mission is back on track. He said the Philae sent 300 data packets back to earth and is expected to transmit around 8,000 more.

Dr. McCaughrean said, "The silver lining is that by not waking up until now, we're actually at a much more interesting time in the comet's life. We're now seeing this beast burst into life".

On August 13, comet 67P will be the closest to the sun. There are chances that Philae may be able to operate for up to four months.