After months of searching, scientists finally find the Philae lander

After 13 months of searching, researchers have spotted the little lander that could.

>> Read more trending stories 

The camera on the Rosetta spacecraft spotted exactly where the Philae lander is on comet 67P.

Philae landed on the comet Nov. 12, 2014, but he didn't end up exactly where he was supposed to be. Instead of landing in the sunlight, he landed in one of the comet's shadows, which prevented his battery from recharging.

The European Space Agency's Rosetta mission manager said, "We were beginning to think that Philae would remain lost forever. It is incredible we have captured this at the final hour."

The entire Rosetta mission is about over. The spacecraft is scheduled to descend toward the surface of the comet on Sept. 30, gathering a few more high-resolution images and some close-up data before ending its 12-year mission.

About the Author