Instrument concerns accelerate Mars sample analysis plans
Posted: Thu, Jul 3, 2008, 8:45 AM ET (1245 GMT)
The possibility of a short circuit in a key instrument on NASA's Mars Phoenix Lander has led scientists to accelerate the analysis of a sample of ice-rich soil, project officials said Wednesday. Engineers are concerned about the lander's Thermal and Evolved-Gas Analyzer (TEGA), one of its key instruments, after it suffered a short circuit during operation last month. Taking a conservative approach, scientists opted to move ahead and use a soil sample thought to be rich in ice in the instrument next, in case the problem worsens and prevents future use of TEGA. The project team will be standing down Thursday through Saturday for the US Independence Day holiday, although some preprogrammed science operations will continue during the break.
The possibility of a short circuit in a key instrument on NASA's Mars Phoenix Lander has led scientists to accelerate the analysis of a sample of ice-rich soil, project officials said Wednesday. Engineers are concerned about the lander's Thermal and Evolved-Gas Analyzer (TEGA), one of its key instruments, after it suffered a short circuit during operation last month. Taking a conservative approach, scientists opted to move ahead and use a soil sample thought to be rich in ice in the instrument next, in case the problem worsens and prevents future use of TEGA. The project team will be standing down Thursday through Saturday for the US Independence Day holiday, although some preprogrammed science operations will continue during the break.
Related Links:
| <<previous article | next article>> |
|
news in brief
|
|
|
|
news links
|
|
Wednesday, May 13
A new ‘Boost!’ for space transportation companies
ESA — 6:12 am ET (1012 GMT) Elon Musk Is Out to Rule Space. Can Anyone Stop Him?
Wired — 6:11 am ET (1011 GMT) AST SpaceMobile ‘Optimistic’ About New Glenn Pad Return
Aviation Week — 6:08 am ET (1008 GMT) AST SpaceMobile Confirms Target for 45 BlueBirds This Year, Despite Blue Origin Launch Failure
ViaSatellite — 6:06 am ET (1006 GMT) ULA to prep future Vulcan launch for Amazon despite rocket investigation
Orlando Sentinel — 6:06 am ET (1006 GMT) |
