What is the secret to Rosetta and Philae's success in the media?

摘要

For several space agencies in Europe, the Rosetta mission was one of the flagship events of 2014. In addition to the technological exploit and the scientific results, the mission also created an unexpected media craze. What is the explanation behind this? What does it tell us about the status of space in contemporary culture? What can it teach us about what culture can bring to the future of space and how to prepare for it? The space agencies' communications policy and personification of the Rosetta and Philae spacecraft are not the only explanations; public interest in the theme of origin (of the solar system, of water on Earth, of life) is surely an equally important factor.