Probe Lands On Comet For First Time In History
(CBS13/AP) – The Philae Lander has landed on comet 67P, marking the first time in history a probe has landed on a comet.
The European Space Agency's Rosetta Mission announced touchdown of the lander just after 8 a.m. PST.
TOUCHDOWN for @Philae2014! #CometLanding pic.twitter.com/ZMBeB8ng3h
— ESA Rosetta Mission (@ESA_Rosetta) November 12, 2014
Rosetta had been traveling in space for the past 10 years, carrying the Philae Lander. The lander separated from Rosetta late Tuesday night, beginning a seven hour descent to the comet.
Numerous dignitaries congratulated the spacecraft's achievement. Fittingly, "Star Trek" actor William Shatner was among the people ESA acknowledged on its Twitter account.
.@WilliamShatner touchdown confirmed for away team @philae2014, captain!
— ESA Rosetta Mission (@ESA_Rosetta) November 12, 2014