How Philae warms up for the big game
10. February, 2014
The science planning for the lander measurements in the neighborhood and on the surface of the comet are currently more and more taking shape. Yes, you read correctly: the lander wants to measure the comet and its environment already while Rosetta is approaching the nucleus and while the lander is still safely attached to the orbiter. This is, of course, not the key science phase of the lander instruments; the best and most valuable scientific results from the lander will come from the surface of the nucleus. But this mission is so unique, that every bit of data is valuable.
The lander will investigate the comet in four phases, i.e. the pre-landing phase, the separation, descent and landing phase (called SDL), the first science sequence after landing (called FSS), and the long-term science phase (called LTS). Although not producing immediate scientific results, but equally important is the post-hibernation commissioning of the lander and its instruments. After all, the lander was switched off and its equipment was not used, monitored, and maintained for a period of more than two years. Imagine doing that with your car….
