Rosetta space orbiter to be moved closer to Philae lander comet

Mission will improve contact between orbiter and Philae lander after agency says data already received is 'amazingly exciting'

The Rosetta space orbiter is to be moved closer to the comet hosting the pioneering Philae lander to establish a better with link the probe after it sent back signals last weekend, the European Space Agency has announced.

In a briefing on the mission at the Paris air show, the agency confirmed there had been no contact with the solar-powered probe since its surprise reactivation over the weekend when it signalled to its orbiting mothership Rosetta.