European scientists make space history by successfully landing probe on a comet after 10-year mission - but reveal Philae is teetering on the surface as harpoons supposed to tether it did not fire

Scientists have landed a probe on a comet's surface for the first time in history.

After a daring seven-hour descent, and despite problems with its thrusters, the Rosetta craft's probe, Philae, touched down on 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko.

However, controllers admit the probe is still facing major problems as it emerged the harpoons supposed to tether it to the surface had not fired, leaving it attached only by screws on its legs.

'Esa and its Rosetta mission partners achieved something extraordinary today,' said Dordain.

'Our ambitious Rosetta mission has secured another place in the history books: not only is it the first to rendezvous with and orbit a comet, but it is now also the first to deliver a probe to a comet's surface.'

Magnificent achievement. To read more, click here.