NASA to try new approach to fix InSight instrument
Posted: Sun, Jun 9, 2019, 9:46 AM ET (1346 GMT)
NASA is planning a new approach to resolving a problem with an instrument on the InSight Mars lander. The Heat Flow and Physics Properties Package includes a probe, or "mole," designed to hammer its way into the surface to a depth of five meters, but has been stuck just 30 centimeters below the surface for three months. NASA said this week it will use the lander's robotic arm to carefully lift up the instrument's support structure and take images of the area around the mole. The arm could also be used to press down on the surface, allowing the mole to gain traction against surrounding soil so it can continue burrowing into the surface.
NASA is planning a new approach to resolving a problem with an instrument on the InSight Mars lander. The Heat Flow and Physics Properties Package includes a probe, or "mole," designed to hammer its way into the surface to a depth of five meters, but has been stuck just 30 centimeters below the surface for three months. NASA said this week it will use the lander's robotic arm to carefully lift up the instrument's support structure and take images of the area around the mole. The arm could also be used to press down on the surface, allowing the mole to gain traction against surrounding soil so it can continue burrowing into the surface.| <<previous article | next article>> |
|
news in brief
|
|
|
|
news links
|
|
Thursday, November 6
From orbit to landing: Isro gears up for Mangalyaan-2 mission to Mars in 2030
Business Today — 6:40 am ET (1140 GMT) ISRO aims to transfer 50% of PSLV development to Indian industry, says V Narayanan
India TV — 6:40 am ET (1140 GMT) Trump taps Jared Isaacman to lead NASA again amid shutdown
Houston Chronicle — 6:38 am ET (1138 GMT) Isaacman’s NASA Plan Cites Possible SpaceX Role in Quest to Get to Mars
Bloomberg News — 6:38 am ET (1138 GMT) Trump Taps Billionaire Private Astronaut Jared Isaacman to Lead NASA—Again
Time — 6:37 am ET (1137 GMT) |
