A probe Philae - big problems (UPD - part of the problem was solved)

Only recently have we all rejoiced fact probe Philae landing on the comet Churyumov-Gerasimenko. And now come already experiencing. All because the landing came not so successful as previously thought, and after a couple of days in general probe may stop working due to lack of energy.

At Philae now two major problems that threaten the mission.

first problem - harpoons still did not work, and the probe is just lying on the surface of the comet. Any action, such as the use of drilling tools, can lead to the separation of the probe from the surface, and the loss of apparatus for science.

The second problem - Philae lies in the shadow of the rocks, and the solar panels receive energy only 90 minutes every 12 hours. This is not enough for normal operation of the apparatus, and after a couple of days if nothing changes, the energy is just over, and the device will be lost to science, as in the previous case.

That rock, which deprives the probe energy (or rather, that closes probe panel from sunlight) probe photographed at "prikomechivanii." Hope, in principle, there is - now scientists are studying several possible ways to change the position of the probe using the on board tools.

Of these tools, including a drill, you can create something like a paddle, or "crutch", and move the device just a few degrees, which is enough to save the device and replenish energy. On board the probe has four tools that can be used for this purpose. This, in addition harpoons and drill a small hammer tool for surface studies. If properly direct the hammer, the probe can be given the right to change the position of the acceleration.

What is now known about the probe?

1. As far as we can judge, Philae landed not where expected.

Replay of today's media briefing now also live in the ESA website http://t.co/fbbgIpcKwv #cometlanding pic.twitter.com/MV3nvDBGwP - ESA Operations (esaoperations) November 13, 2014 blockquote>
 Instead of the red square, the planned landing zone, the probe took the blue area of ​​the rhombus.

It is known that the probe landed twice: after the first landing he rose again, and then sat down for the second time, not where it was planned.

2. Location of the probe still not precisely known. With photos that makes the "Rosetta", the probe can not see (in the photo its size - 3 * 3 pixels). The probe is simply lost among the details of the comet surface;

3. Harpoons not worked, and now the probe is not in an upright position. As far as can be judged, one of the supports for nothing rests, and simply hung in space. Perhaps it lies on the edge of the crater;

Mega crude go at figuring out what sort of orientation Philae might be at. http://t.co/HaCNnxvZeE - Doug Ellison (doug_ellison) November 13, 2014 blockquote>
 4. Some scientific experiments have already begun, but to use all the tools of the probe does not. As mentioned above - one extra movement, and Phil flies into space.

Now activated MUPUS (multi-tool for the study of surface and near surface layers), also raboatet CONSERT (tool to study the structure of the nucleus by means of radio waves).

UPD. B> Hooray! Penetrator failed to engage, by driving it into the ground comets. You can now work on the release of the probe from the darkness. And yes - earned spectrometer APXS.

UPD 2. B> Fearing that the probe will not be able to withdraw from the shadows, and the batteries fail, the researchers decided to use the entire arsenal of scientific probe Philae. This solution can be called quite risky, because so far it is not clear what condition the probe itself. But if you succeed - most of the experiments spend succeed, and the mission is fulfilled.

Back to work! I'm now drilling into the surface of # 67P ... I'll give you updates as soon as I can! #CometLanding - Philae Lander (@ Philae2014) November 14, 2014 blockquote>
UPD 3. B> Right now Buryats surface of the comet, the details - later.

Last night MUPUS hammered the penetrator into the ground. APXS also got to work! My team is currently checking how they did #CometLanding - Philae Lander (@ Philae2014) 14 November 2014 blockquote>
 Via theguardian

Source: geektimes.ru/post/241430/