ESA releases latest batch of images of Comet 67P
The European Space Agency's (ESA) Rosetta probe made history by landing a robotic lander Philae onto the surface 67P.
Images snapped by Rosetta's NavCam between September and November have given a new insight into how comet atmosphere is built. These pictures were captured seven months after Philae landed onto the comet.
The new images have offered a look at the comet’s terrain from innumerable new angles. They have presented harsh cliff edges, large boulders and rolling rocky hills that fade into smooth, dusty plains.
Rosetta blasted off from Earth in 2004 and entered orbit around 67P after completing a journey of 10 years. The spacecraft’s journey included three flybys of Earth and one of Mars, before heading out past Jupiter and picking up enough speed to catch up to the comet.
On November 12, 2014, the Philae performed a soft landing on a comet's surface. However, an unfortunate landing malfunction brought the probe down where sunlight couldn't reach its solar panels to provide power.
When its battery exhausted, the spacecraft and mission control went in the dark. The mission team tried their best to re-establish contact with the lander. However, their efforts were unsuccessful.
Still, the ESA hopes that if it comes closer to the Sun, it will be able to draw enough solar power to boot Philae again and continue comet’s exploration.