An Auckland-based tech company which supplied parts to the first man-made probe to land on a speeding comet is relieved the mission has been a success.
An image from the mission shows the surface of Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko - and one of Philae's three feet. Photo: AFP / ESA
After a historic but awkward comet landing, the robot probe Philae is now sending pictures back to the European Space Agency (ESA), the BBC reported.
However, there are still concerns about Philae's battery life.
After bouncing off Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko in its first landing, the probe re-landed next to a cliff - cutting off some of the much-needed sunlight needed to recharge its batteries.
Rakon's crystal filters and oscillators are being used on the probe to send back information about the composition and density of the comet.
Rakon chief executive Brent Robinson told Morning Report he was hopeful the team could make a miracle happen and get the batteries recharged.
"It's tremendous to be part of it - we're all hopeful that they can follow through and really work out how the universe was formed and how the world came about.
"To be part of that in such an audacious way is really exciting, and it's is good that we've got the Kiwi connection there too."
An image taken by the "mothership" Rosetta shows Philae approaching the comet. Photo: ESA / Rosetta / MPS OSIRIS / Team MPS / DPA / AFP
The comet shown from a camera on Philae about 3km from the surface. A segment of the probe's landing gear is visible in the upper right hand corner. Photo: AFP / ESA / Rosetta / Philae / ROLIS / DLR
This image marks the first touchdown point of the lander - before it bounced twice, settling in the shadow of a large cliff. Photo: AFP / ESA
A photo by the ROLIS (Rosetta Lander Imaging System) instrument shows the surface of the comet during Philae's descent. Photo: AFP / ESA / Rosetta / Philae / ROLIS / DLR
