Humans made space history on Wednesday by successfully landing a spacecraft on a comet.
And the tweets exchanged between the lander, Philae, and the spacecraft that delivered it there, Rosetta, are melting our hearts.
The Twitter accounts for the two space robots have engaged in a near-constant dialogue since Philae began its descent early Wednesday morning.
Ok @Philae2014, I’m getting lined up with #67P, are you ready to jump? #CometLanding— ESA Rosetta Mission (@ESA_Rosetta) November 12, 2014
Ready when you are, @ESA_Rosetta. Give me a little nudge? #CometLanding— Philae Lander (@Philae2014) November 12, 2014
As with any high-stakes relationship, sometimes it's best to take some time apart. The two spacecraft had a few moments of silence shortly after their separation, but happily reestablished contact three hours later.
Also now back in contact with @philae2014! Good to hear you again buddy :) #CometLanding— ESA Rosetta Mission (@ESA_Rosetta) November 12, 2014
Nice to talk to you again, @ESA_Rosetta! #CometLanding— Philae Lander (@Philae2014) November 12, 2014
How are you feeling @philae2014? #CometLanding— ESA Rosetta Mission (@ESA_Rosetta) November 12, 2014
.@ESA_Rosetta WOW! I feel like I’m floating! And #67P is closer and closer… #CometLanding— Philae Lander (@Philae2014) November 12, 2014
Rosetta realized life in space was a little bit cooler without its travel partner of 10 years. The orbiting spacecraft requested a "postcard" from the lander's trip to the comet. Philae happily obliged.
.@Philae2014 :) My back is chilly now you’ve left, but I'm in a better position to watch you now. Send me a postcard! #CometLanding— ESA Rosetta Mission (@ESA_Rosetta) November 12, 2014
.@ESA_Rosetta I will send you hundreds of postcards from #67P :) #CometLanding— Philae Lander (@Philae2014) November 12, 2014
Hey @ESA_Rosetta, did you get my first postcard? CIVA took the image. Guess who’s in it? #CometLanding— Philae Lander (@Philae2014) November 12, 2014
.@philae2014’s first postcard just after separation – it’s of me! #CometLanding Credit: ESA/Rosetta/Philae/CIVA pic.twitter.com/OXJwGunL3V— ESA Rosetta Mission (@ESA_Rosetta) November 12, 2014
Nice one! I’ve never seen you from this angle before, @ESA_Rosetta! #CometLanding— Philae Lander (@Philae2014) November 12, 2014
I see you too @philae2014! Here you are in my OSIRIS camera - legs out! #CometLanding pic.twitter.com/hmnfe2AkN2— ESA Rosetta Mission (@ESA_Rosetta) November 12, 2014
It’s me… landing on a comet & feeling good! MT @ESA_Rosetta: I see you too! #CometLanding pic.twitter.com/DjU0J1Ey4H— Philae Lander (@Philae2014) November 12, 2014
Then, it was time to land. The two robot friends had one last chance to wish each other well.
Good luck @philae2014! #CometLanding— ESA Rosetta Mission (@ESA_Rosetta) November 12, 2014
Almost there… @ESA_Rosetta! Thank you for the ride! #CometLanding— Philae Lander (@Philae2014) November 12, 2014
And finally, touchdown!
Touchdown! My new address: 67P! #CometLanding— Philae Lander (@Philae2014) November 12, 2014
Well done my friend! RT @Philae2014: Touchdown! My new address: 67P! #CometLanding— ESA Rosetta Mission (@ESA_Rosetta) November 12, 2014
TOUCHDOWN for @Philae2014! #CometLanding pic.twitter.com/ZMBeB8ng3h— ESA Rosetta Mission (@ESA_Rosetta) November 12, 2014
This relationship is not without its fair share of drama. As news broke shortly after the landing that Philae's harpoons didn't fire, Rosetta tweeted a message of support. The humans at the controls, meanwhile, were left hoping to find out why.
I’m on the surface but my harpoons did not fire. My team is hard at work now trying to determine why. #CometLanding— Philae Lander (@Philae2014) November 12, 2014
Hang on in there Philae! MT @Philae2014: I’m on the surface but my harpoons did not fire. My team now trying to determine why. #CometLanding— ESA Rosetta Mission (@ESA_Rosetta) November 12, 2014
Watch the moment the operations team confirmed Philae had landed on the comet: