Philae's Primary Landing Site - Site J

Philae’s primary landing site will target Site J, the center of which is indicated by the cross in this OSIRIS narrow-angle image.

Site J is located on the head of Comet 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko and is close to the candidate site B, the large depression to the right of the image.

Site J offers the minimum risk to the lander in comparison to the other candidate sites, and is also scientifically interesting, with signs of activity nearby. At Site J, the majority of slopes are less than 30º relative to the local vertical, reducing the chances of Philae toppling over during touchdown. Site J also appears to have relatively few boulders and receives sufficient daily illumination to recharge Philae and continue science operations on the surface beyond the initial battery-powered phase.

Full story: 'J' marks the spot for Rosetta's lander

Image credit: ESA/Rosetta/MPS for OSIRIS Team MPS/UPD/LAM/IAA/SSO/INTA/UPM/DASP/IDA

Note: For more information, see:
* Philae’s Primary Landing Site Close-Up
* Philae’s Primary Landing Site in Context
* Philae’s Primary Landing Site in 3D
* 'J' Marks the Spot for Rosetta's Lander (ESA Science)
* PIA18809: Rosetta Lander's Primary Landing Site
* PIA18810: Rosetta Lander's Backup Landing Site
* 'J' Marks the Spot for Rosetta's Lander (JPL)
* Announcement of the Selected Rosetta Primary Landing Site and a Backup
* Replay: Rosetta Landing Site Announcement (Video)

For more information about Philae and the mission, see:
* Philae's Panoramic Camera
* Philae’s Descent and Science on the Surface
* How to Orbit a Comet (all of the above are videos)
* Rosetta and Philae at Comet