How good is Philae lander?

Philae lander has a Lunoo score of 8.1/10. This score is based on AI-powered analysis of category fit, feature coverage, pricing signals, public reception, and recency.

Is Philae lander worth it in 2026?

Philae lander scores 8.1/10 in the Spacecraft category on Lunoo. Compare it with alternatives to find the best fit for your needs.

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Philae lander

8.10

Great

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Spacecraft Lander Comet Esa 67p First Comet Landing

description Philae lander Overview

Philae was a robotic lander developed by the European Space Agency (ESA) and carried to space by the Rosetta spacecraft. In November 2014, it achieved the first-ever soft landing on a comet, specifically 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko, marking a historic milestone in space exploration. Due to a failure in its anchoring harpoons, the lander bounced twice before settling in a heavily shaded crevice. This placement severely limited its solar power generation, causing its primary batteries to deplete after a few days, though it briefly re-established contact months later as the comet approached the sun.

insights Ranking position

Philae lander ranks #51 of 100 in the Spacecraft ranking, behind Vostok 2, ahead of Sputnik 2.

help Philae lander FAQ

Which comet did the Philae lander touch down on?

The Philae lander successfully achieved a soft landing on Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko in November 2014. It was delivered to the surface by the European Space Agency's Rosetta spacecraft.

Why did the Philae lander end up failing?

Upon touching down on the comet, Philae's harpoon anchors failed to fire, causing the probe to bounce twice before settling in a shaded cliff area. Because it landed out of direct sunlight, its solar panels couldn't charge the batteries, and it went into hibernation shortly after.

Was the Philae lander the first to land on a comet?

Yes, despite its landing troubles, Philae is historically recognized as the first probe ever to achieve a soft landing on a comet nucleus. This monumental achievement occurred on November 12, 2014.

Did the Rosetta spacecraft find the lost Philae lander?

Yes, the Rosetta spacecraft captured images of the lost Philae lander in September 2016. The photos clearly showed the probe wedged in a dark crack on the comet, solving the mystery of its final resting place.

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