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Wait, so Philae could possibly reboot months from now when it gets more sunlight? It sounded like charging could only be initiated if the computer was already o

Wait, so Philae could possibly reboot months from now when it gets more sunlight? It sounded like charging could only be initiated if the computer was already operational and the batteries were already heated to 0C.

ajuc 12y ago
If it will get enough sun when hibernated it will heat battery up and start charging. When there's enough charge (possibly after many periods of charging and hibernation) it can start working again. But it's probable that the dust will acumulate on the solar cells before comet is close enough to sun for this to work.
- sliverstorm 12y ago
  Is there much dust circulation on the surface of a comet? Mars has its dust storms, but I didn't know it was an issue on comets
  - ajuc 12y ago
    I have no idea, I just repeat what scientists from the Rosetta mission said.
  - codeulike 12y ago
    Comet has very low gravity and - think of classic 'comet tails' - stuff gets stripped off by solar winds etc near sun. So yes I think it can be a bit dusty
sigmar 12y ago
"Philae's planned mission is expected to come to an end when batteries are exhausted sometime on Saturday; future contacts are possible if the illumination conditions change as the comet orbits closer to the Sun, enabling solar power to flow again." http://blogs.esa.int/rosetta/2014/11/15/turning-philae/ http://blogs.esa.int/rosetta/2014/11/15/turning-philae/ (Note: that was written before the sucessful reorientation occurred)