Philae Lander detects 'life creating' organic molecules on comet

The Philae lander has detected organic molecules on the surface of its comet, which are the basis of life on Earth and may give clues to chemical ingredients delivered to our planet early in its history.

The carbon-containing "organics" were picked up by a German-built instrument designed to "sniff" the comet's thin atmosphere, while other analysis suggested that the comet's surface is largely water-ice covered with a thin dust layer.

Dr Fred Goessmann, principal investigator on the Cosac instrument, which made the organics detection, confirmed the find to BBC News. But he added that the team was still trying to interpret the results and it has not been disclosed which molecules have been found, or how complex they are.

The European Space Agency (Esa) craft touched down on the Comet 67P on 12 November after a 10-year journey.