What does it take to land on a comet?

In days of old comets were seen as bringers of doom and bad luck but now we know better.
However, landing on one is probably the most difficult operation undertaken by any space agency and almost a guarantee of some sort of bad luck as ESA's Rosetta / Philae mission found out.
So just what does it take to land on a comet as it travels around the solar system at up to 135,000 km/h and what sort of challenges did the teams at ESA, the European Space Agency face as they sent the Rosetta spacecraft and its lander Philae to comet 67/P Churyumov-Gerasimenko .
This video was made with the assistance of ESA and uses both video and imagery created by and for ESA, DLR and of course some NASA parts.
I would also like to thank Monica Pascanu, Maria Bennet, Emily Baldwin and Matt Taylor at the European Space Agency (ESA) for their help in making this video and for checking its accuracy.
Written and researched by Paul Shillito
Presented by Paul Shillito
Images and footage : ESA, DLR, NASA.
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[@CuriousDroid]

This was the first video that I worked officially with the European Space Agency (ESA). Normally I just do my own thing without any help from third parties but a couple of months I was approached by ESA to see I needed any help with resources for the videos. I had the idea to do a video about the cometary missions so that evolved into this one. I've mentioned them in the description but I would like to thank Matt Taylor, Monica Pascanu, Maria Bennet and Emily Baldwin at ESA for their help in making this and checking its accuracy. Hopefully, there will be more along the way :-)

[@AinsleyHarriott1]

I think when they see the effort and passion you've put into these, they'll definitely want more! I almost teared up looking at some of the comet footage.

[@PhobosCVIII]

This video was amazing, I'd love to see more videos about ESA, they're usually less talked about on other channels!

[@iainbradford4254]

That is awesome and full credit to you. You must have been little more than excited to be recognized in this way :-)

[@MythicalMD]

Curious Droid i was happy to see Matt Taylor credited. I often wondered about his career after the ridiculous shirt controversy. What that man went through was absurd. If you see him again please pass on well wishes from this science/space aficionado. Greetings from Texas.

[@kola198585]

Your vedios are so helpful and mine of knowledge. Thank you for sharing such knowledge with us and educate us

[@Wiizl]

The precision and calculations are unbelievable!! Multiple orbits, 4 gravity assists, 10 years in space and after all that it still manages to land on a flying rock... Great video as always!

[@TheZindarod]

Thank you for being a safe haven for those of us who are escaping the over-dramatized, sensationalist garbage filling our TVs and KZbin feeds.

[@SuperPhunThyme9]

Like the doctored-up trending tab?? The one that trends cable news and Jimmy Kimmel for every 10k views, but everyone else only every 10 million views? That one?

[@avinfor]

Well said.

[@eerievibes6854]

Yeah kind of like the the young turks?

[@jiveturkey9993]

@@eerievibes6854 turds

[@workingguy6666]

This is exactly why I don't have a working television - nor a cable/video subscription - in my house. I've gone without it for ~ 18 years, and am better off for it.

[@AinsleyHarriott1]

When I wanted to show my dad that KZbin was better than anything on the telly, I came straight to this channel. Paul presents with such an authentic passion for the subject matter that it instantly draws everyone in. The footage, the narration, and what is clearly hours of research for every video makes every single one of Pauls videos an absolute love letter to history, science and space. I've learned so much and had so many awe-inspired emotions through your videos. Thank you Paul Shillito for making these

[@musicbruv]

I am always amazed by the navigation skills needed to carry out these mission.

[@stevenp3176]

SW6 Agreed especially considering nothing is done in real time.

[@Darkstar_8473]

Computer does everything. It's not really that hard nowadays.

[@tomb504dog]

Credit to Sir Issac Newton.

[@superdupergrover9857]

The technology needed to miniaturize such a high precision robotic astrolabe is truly astounding. :)

[@GetUpTheMountains]

@CockOfJustice Whats ironic is you being about the only one remembering them and being so fired up about it.

[@octap79]

Curious Droid uploads a new video = amazing day

[@pseudonayme7717]

Woohoo! Wide-eyed amazement time 😃 o.O

[@deoeers]

That was really interesting. I didn’t realise how long that mission was.

[@hussainali9999]

Thank, its really the most informative video about the mission

[@5Andysalive]

Astrum had a good one. More about the results than the journey.

[@gregbrockway4452]

Exquisite content and groovy shirts. Thank you Paul for one of the best KZbin channels around.

[@ivanfreely6366]

Nicely done. The skills needed for this mission will never cease to amaze me.

[@joyoptimal6286]

Yet multiple things went wrong with Philae. Philae was dropped a bit too fast, should've been 1m/sec instead of 38cm/sec. Grappling hook failed, screws on legs failed, compressed air thruster failed due to software error, reaction wheels failed, etc. Overall a mission success, but its not without its failures.

[@5Andysalive]

@@joyoptimal6286 It was a long shot by any definition. Hayabusa 2 is doing hopefully better. But Esa seems to have a tendency to shut down things too early in landers. Usually rather critical things.

[@bennylofgren3208]

joy optimal 1 m/s is more than 38 cm/s (0.38 m/s) though...

[@jarediannudalo6074]

CockOfJustice the T shirt incident had me face palm so hard I almost broke my nose 😂

[@bassemb]

What an awesome mission! I did not know about Philae and only heard about Rosetta's final impact. I also had no idea how long-lived this mission was. Amazing stuff.

[@toasty4000000]

woah, 2 uploads in a weeks span? Amazing, this is my favorite content on youtube!

[@PenisMcWhirtar]

Too right Kaunapod - we waited long time for this one. I was worried that Paul had died!

[@RedLP5000S]

I was devastated when Philae landed wrong. I hope the ESA will do another attempt again.

[@emoishguy08]

RedLP5000S it’s sad too because this mission was over two decades in the making

[@hussainali9999]

BBC & NOVA must come here to see the quality of decimated video are.

[@xXxserenityxXx]

When translation goes bad. Lmao

[@nickinportland]

Haha nova maybe. But BBC is the gold standard.

[@SweGunner71]

Excellent as always! Thank you, Curious Droid!

[@devin.n]

This is quite possibly Curious Droids best video yet! The research and quality of each video is outstanding! Cannot wait for the next

[@flaviop17]

So proud to see the esa logo as a European being. I can’t wait to hear such amazing achievements from ESA, NASA or JAXA and even more together 🛰

[@everittgill4782]

This is the best channel on KZbin.

[@derPatte26]

I'm always so fascinated by your topics and in detailed explanations. Thank you very much for your work.

[@h.i.sjoevall4213]

Extremely well produced as usual. Really appreciate it. Thank you mr Shillito!

[@spawnage170]

This was super interesting, I had never heard of this mission before. Thanks for all your hard work in making these incredible videos!

[@foersterjunior]

I followed it live. It esentially was on the way when I first got intersted about space in elementary school got to the asteroid when I first stated understanding things and ended in my first year of uni. What a journey.

[@jeffewell1809]

I've always been a student of history!! always been interested in history right up my alley!! I love this channel!!! Thank you Paul!! Hopefully KZbin will promote this great channel you have created!!

[@InspiredAlex]

Another great video, keep up the good work

[@stramster1]

I really enjoy your videos. Thanks for all the hard work you and your team put into them.

[@dominik5865]

A marvellous video, well informed and quite interesting to watch. I enjoyed every minute. Keep up the good work!

[@dinoschachten]

Wow, thanks a lot for this one! Poor Philae really had a hard time out there. It would be awesome if someone someday would retrieve it, even if only for the rediscovery of a lost spacecraft, at that point possibly out there for decades.

[@na63fets]

A new Curious Droid video and a day that started badly turns into a good one. As excellent and informative as always. Thanks a lot for this.

[@EleanorPeterson]

Brilliant video, Paul. Many thanks.

[@alimmi9]

I've been watching your channel quite a while now but this was another outstanding video! Compelling until the last second...

[@JonnyWideFoot]

You guys are awesome. Please keep making films! I love the pace and detail. Very very good.

[@bogadu]

What a fantastic channel! I'm glad I discovered this.

[@feelx92ger]

The original footage and your great edititing complementing the script is just magnificent.

[@QueenetBowie]

Always worth the wait for one of your videos to come out.

[@hayleyxyz]

This is my favourite of your videos. I felt so tense the whole time; I wanted the mission to succeed.

[@johnlandrum4649]

Amazing video with incredible information! Thank you!

[@nealsterling8151]

Excellent Video, as always!

[@MikeSwensson]

Thank you Paul, a fascinating and amazing fact filled video from you once again.

[@jessemesa]

Excellent episode and fantastic quality as always!

[@iteerrex8166]

What an ambitious mission and what an awesome detailed documentary.. Thanks Curious Droid!

[@II-yd6gx]

I’ve never subscribed to a channel before now, but the level of detail and depth of knowledge presented has left me in awe! I am now a dedicated follower!

[@seesiedler1]

This was a very in depth approach on the topic. Interesting, super easy to understand. I really really like it.

[@davidcarbonnel6396]

Well done for your efforts and patience on this one. I have shared it on FB, it's a great video! Thank you!

[@Rafaga777]

Another great video. What a treat. Thanks for the upload.

[@envitech02]

Awesome video Mr Shilito!! As excellent as ever! Love your voice. Sharp and clear. And the shirt is out of this world!! Literally!!!

[@GIGABACHI]

Shirt ALWAYS on point. Well done, Sr., well done. 👍😎

[@puremaledark8305]

JIGA BACHI no one on earth has his shirt game

[@pseudonayme7717]

Except maybe Sheldon Cooper from TBBT 😄

[@bondisteve3617]

Another great presentation. Thank you.

[@shaboopie12]

Man, you're spoiling us this month. Two videos!

[@puremaledark8305]

Phenomenal channel. I cant get enough

[@eeka_droid]

holy crap that was quite a journey. Thanks for producing this content Mr. Droid!

[@jonathanhankins8356]

Some of the best videos (and shirts) on KZbin.

[@roderickwhitehead]

Excellent overview. Thank you, Paul.

[@SimplySpace]

Great video as usual!

[@stein1385]

I ❤ this guy! Its not just his format or knowledge but rather his ability to capture my heart and the pain i struggle with everyday. I suffer from depression and he relieves me from my conflicts i battle within. Ty curious droid youre awesome!

[@chrisnelson5590]

One of the top 5 channels on KZbin. Well done.

[@TheLolbster]

Excellent video as always! Love the detail this went into about Rosetta/Philae.

[@martinda7446]

It's becoming a real treat to watch a Curious Droid production. We wait with that same anticipation of a ...(the bad side of me wanted to say 'good shag'...) Christmas morning. How we get information has changed so dramatically over the last decade. I'm glad you got in there early.

[@armandodibattista971]

Thank you Paul Shillito, awesome content!

[@stellarpod]

Excellent segment, sir! As always, thanks so much for sharing. Steve

[@SyntaxScout]

Great channel,thanks once again for giving us this great video and sharing your time with us.

[@joebloe1401]

Thanks, Uncle Fester!!

[@ajapanexplorer7417]

Lord Varys. Was my first thought

[@cuthbertmilligen]

So so glad, that you are using SI units exclusively now. It makes the dialog much more fluid, less 'stumbling' & away from the narrative flow. Well done!

[@brahmburgers]

Very good presentation, thanks. I'm enthralled by the photos. I didn't know such existed. wow!

[@wolfmancole1908]

I was just was reminiscing about this today and then you upload a video about it! SWEET

[@simonl7784]

Thank you, Awesome as always!

[@steve94044]

Your video’s are excellent! One of my favorite KZbin channels. Thanks!

[@richardhedd3080]

Thank you for the post. I going to watch more of your videos!

[@swollendoggo2529]

Curious Droid's videos are so informative, more informative than any of the TV channels here... I love watching these videos while eating, makes the food a lot more enjoyable...

[@maksphoto78]

Thank you for the great video, Lord Varys.

[@Noukz37]

Absolutely stunning video! This is why I love this channel! (I'm also here for the shirts as well)

[@outdatedTV]

Same here. Amazing commentary, footage, research. Science served like a pro. Plus shirts ofc. Also check PBS Space Time channel, tho the oldest videos were totally different style. I mean especially the newer PBS Space Time.

[@ericsbuds]

remarkable. its so weird looking at the surface of a comet in detail. I really enjoyed this!

[@willinwoods]

Magnificent. Thank you!

[@jonathanmegevand3266]

You have made a super channel High quality video and cool topics. This is accurate and well documented for our pleasure ( the viewers). Thanks again for your work and dedication !

[@patrickspeers2341]

I always love your videos, awesome work Paul

[@onebadlt123]

Its missions like these that give me hope for humanity. When minds come together its amazing what we as a species can accomplish. I just wish more can come together and help find the meaning and creation of our existence instead of coming together to destroy it. I only wish I could see where we would be space wise 100 years from now. Another fantasic video you guys have created. Truly a gem of a channel on KZbin.

[@IanKath]

What a tremendous summary of a spectacular mission.

[@mrgriply]

Thank you, very nice work 👍

[@boredgrass]

Watched again, I don't know how many already. It is amazing!

[@fed9931]

Great vid! Love the depth you go into in your videos

[@Wineman3383]

Awesome video brother. Great work you are doing 👍

[@kyuzo9999]

Great video Paul, keep them coming!

[@cameronmtb]

Excellent video, well made and informative:)

[@TioDeive]

Wonderful, wonderful video again. The best narrator ever with the best content ever. Thank you so much.

[@TheFilmDesigner]

Your presentation technique is a symbol to intelligent people. Thanks! Oh, love the opening sting...

[@MrSajjad1989]

As usual great content

[@gunswinger3110]

Wow I didn't even know there was such a mission. It must've taken an extraordinary amount of work to get even that close to a comet, let alone land something on it. Cheers for making this video about them, these probes are basically humanity's arms and legs out there.

[@PleaseDontFeedTheAnimals]

Mmm break time at work and time to sit down and enjoy this. Thanks mate

[@karnish4956]

Thank you very much for such a quality video Sir!

[@nicodemusation]

Amazing content. Thank you

[@Markle2k]

Fantastic video. I learned a lot.

[@stephenfennell]

This is a really interesting video. Thank you for putting all this info together.

[@BRZZ-xw4hd]

Awesome vid Paul thanks peace out

[@metalwellington]

always enjoy your vids. pls don't stop

[@andersrese]

Thanks for yet again a great video! Best channel on youtube right now :)

[@simul808]

Love your videos man, best science channel on youtube by far

[@Shmeegsify]

another great video!

[@vimalk78]

long time no see!! good to see you..

[@anarchyantz1564]

Despite all the problems it had, the fact they managed to even pull off half of this is absolutely fantastic.

[@nesa1126]

Yea, super complex missions. Japan did something similar. Very complex, I bet that there will be even more of that in future.

[@TheBanana93]

I had no idea we ever did this its fricking awesome!

[@madnessbydesign1415]

Always happy when I get a notification about a new Curious Droid video. Sit down, strap in, and learn something... :)

[@DaveByrdUK]

very true. 2 new vids over the last few days

[@thomasdykstra100]

I stand amazed at the practical physics achieved for a mission such as this; no amount of impotent theory accounts for its successes, and I'm grateful you spared us of as much "cosmology" as possible. Heroes are as heroes do, and our brightest scientific 'lights' have made their reputations with Labors greater than any Hercules is imagined to have pulled off! Thanks one and all for your service!