Having been together for ten years a couple are tragically forced to separate because of work. See the very public break-up of the Rosetta spacecraft and its lander Philae, via Twitter.
The @ESA_Rosetta and @Philae2014 Twitter accounts are being operated by the European Space Agency (in charge of Rosetta) and the German space agency (in charge of the lander).
More on the #CometLanding: interactive control room guide, and livestream
The Twitter accounts have existed for years, but on the crucial day – when it is hoped that Philae will land on Comet 67P, the banter between the discussion of this “conscious uncoupling” has increased.
Here’s how the day has been going from their off-world point of view:
Soon it will be time to part ways! RT @ESA_Rosetta: Final Go/NOGO complete! We’re GO for separation!!! pic.twitter.com/cdRec5ie46
— Philae Lander (@Philae2014) November 12, 2014
Last chance to enjoy the view from up here before you visit #67P @Philae2014! #CometLanding day is here! pic.twitter.com/UmYIAaYXYU
— ESA Rosetta Mission (@ESA_Rosetta) November 12, 2014
Iâ??ll miss it, @ESA_Rosetta but I really canâ??t wait to see what awaits me on the surface of #67P & get to work! #CometLanding
— Philae Lander (@Philae2014) November 12, 2014
Ready when you are, @ESA_Rosetta. Give me a little nudge? #CometLanding
— Philae Lander (@Philae2014) November 12, 2014
SEPARATION CONFIRMED! Safe journey @Philae2014! pic.twitter.com/dsM5Xaedzp
— ESA Rosetta Mission (@ESA_Rosetta) November 12, 2014
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
Finally! Iâ??m stretching my legs after more than 10 years. Landing gear deployed! #CometLanding
— Philae Lander (@Philae2014) November 12, 2014
.@ESA_Rosetta WOW! I feel like Iâ??m floating! And #67P is closer and closerâ?¦ #CometLanding
— Philae Lander (@Philae2014) November 12, 2014
.@Philae2014 :) My back is chilly now youâ??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
.@philae2014â??s first postcard just after separation â?? itâ??s of me!
#CometLanding
Credit: ESA/Rosetta/Philae/CIVA pic.twitter.com/OXJwGunL3V
— ESA Rosetta Mission (@ESA_Rosetta) November 12, 2014
Nice one! Iâ??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
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
MT @esaoperations: Harpoons confirmed fired & reeled in. Flywheeel now be switched off. @Philae2014 is on the surface of #67P #CometLanding
— ESA Rosetta Mission (@ESA_Rosetta) November 12, 2014
However, if they are struggling with the emotional split, Rosetta and Philae can rely on the support of a celebrity friend…