Forgot password
Enter the email address you used when you joined and we'll send you instructions to reset your password.
If you used Apple or Google to create your account, this process will create a password for your existing account.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Reset password instructions sent. If you have an account with us, you will receive an email within a few minutes.
Something went wrong. Try again or contact support if the problem persists.

In Pictures: ESA’s Rosetta Probe, Philae Lander, and Comet 67p

This article is over 10 years old and may contain outdated information
Rosetta Probe Selfie Comet67p 310x 2

The Rosetta probe took plenty of pictures as it approached Comet 67p for landing.

It’s been a banner week for space exploration, as the European Space Agency brought its Rosetta probe and Philae lander into contact with Comet 67p. A moment over ten years in the making, Rosetta’s achievement will go a long way in helping us understand the science behind comets, and could help answer some of our longest-standing questions about the known (and unknown) universe.

Not only do we have an incredible amount of scientific data and research to look forward to, but we also get some gorgeous photography out of the mission as well. The ESA has a Flickr account that is constantly being updated with photos from the Rosetta-Philae mission, and our gallery includes some of the first images from the probe as it approached its destination comet.

Some of the photos were taken about 5-10 miles from Comet 67p as Rosetta made its approach, and scanned the terrain to find a suitable landing zone for the Philae lander. There’s also an image that charts the mission as its progressed, flybys and slingshots included.

Source: ESA (Flickr) | Twisted Sifter

Recommended Videos

The Escapist is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission.Ā Learn more about our Affiliate Policy