Hang on in there Philae! MT @Philae2014: I’m on the surface but my harpoons did not fire. My team now trying to determine why. #CometLanding
— ESA Rosetta Mission (@ESA_Rosetta) November 12, 2014
Philae made history today when it became the first spacecraft to make a soft landing on a comet, but the mission isn’t over just yet. Contrary to initial reports, the spacecraft’s anchor harpoons have yet to fire, and the team is working on a solution. The harpoons are needed to keep Philae on the surface of the giant spinning comet.
More analysis of @Philae2014 telemetry indicates harpoons did not fire as 1st thought. Lander in gr8 shape. Team looking at refire options
— ESA Operations (@esaoperations) November 12, 2014
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