Rosetta spacecraft to change orbit in bid to strengthen Philae communication
by Ian Sample, science editor from on (#BBWB)
Spacecraft to come within 180km of comet's surface in attempt to improve contact signal and allow commands to be sent to the newly awakened lander
The European Rosetta spacecraft will swoop into a closer orbit around its comet this week to help the mothership talk to its Philae lander, which emerged from a seven month hibernation at the weekend.
Scientists are set to change Rosetta's orbit as soon as Tuesday to bring the spacecraft within 180 kilometres of the comet's surface before the end of the week. The change in orbit should give Rosetta stronger and longer communication links with the lander, and allow scientists to send commands to the robot.
