Earthlings say goodbye to the Phil module. He is now completely alone on the comet Churumova-Gerasimenko

Two years ago, on November 12, 2014, the descent of the Phil module disconnected from the Rosetta probe and landed on the comet Churumov-Gerasimenko-for the first time in the history of mankind. True, then everything went wrong as planned. “Phil” could not land at the planned point and eventually found himself in the shade. Due to the lack of energy, he went into sleep regime a few days later, and from July 9, 2015, the module generally stopped communicating.

However, scientists did not lose hope: the Rosett for another year was turned on the ESS apparatus, which is needed to communicate with the descent module - in case Phil suddenly wakes up. But on July 27, ESS turned off - Rosetta needs to save energy until the mission is completed in September. Now there is no chance that we will someday hear the “Phil”.

This, of course, is a very sad event for thousands of scientists and ordinary people who are not indifferent to the conquest of the cosmos and who admired the feat of a small apparatus, which went to the surface of an unknown comet. A lot of warm words are written in parting the “Phil” module:

“Phil” asked to send him a farewell postcard - and dozens of people responded, sending the apparatus of the photograph from all over the world.

The Rosetta probe also said goodbye to his friend, who delivered Phil to the comet.

As well as scientists who led his landing.

Photo in the announcement: ESA