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Philae probe finds 'organic molecules' on comet

Scientists working on data collected the Philae probe have said that during a drill for a soil sample the Philae probe was able to "sniff" organic molecules.

Earlier, incredible images showed the moment the Philae probe dropped from its satellite and first landed on Comet 67P five days ago.

The high-resolution shots, taken by the Rosetta satellite's narrow-angle camera, capture the 30 minutes since the probe touched down on the comet's surface.

At the moment scientists have lost contact with the probe after its batteries died. It will only wake up if enough sunlight recharges its solar panels.

But the mission is still deemed a success as it is the first spacecraft to ever land on a comet.

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Philae comet lander regains contact with satellite

Science data flowing to earth from Philae. Credit: ESA

The Philae comet lander has regained radio contact with the Rosetta satellite and is sending data back to earth.

There were fears its battery was about to die after it landed in the shadow of a cliff on the comet, meaning the solar panels were rendered useless.

Now it is a race against time to see what information can be fed back before its primary battery is exhausted as it is unlikely the second batteries will charge up enough to extend the operation.

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