Phoenix lander spotted from orbit
Posted: Sun, Nov 8, 2009, 8:08 PM ET (0108 GMT)
NASA's Mars Phoenix Lander, whose mission ended almost exactly a year ago, has been spotted in images taken in recent months by the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) spacecraft as the landing site emerges from winter. The images, taken in late July and August, show the lander, covered in frost, as the north polar region of the planet emerged from winter darkness. Phoenix completed a five-month mission studying the region in November 2008, and project officials have said they plan to try contacting the spacecraft again in early 2010 as spring returns to the landing site, although establishing communications with the lander after its long hibernation is considered "highly unlikely". MRO itself has been in an extended safe mode for several weeks because of a series of computer resets.
NASA's Mars Phoenix Lander, whose mission ended almost exactly a year ago, has been spotted in images taken in recent months by the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) spacecraft as the landing site emerges from winter. The images, taken in late July and August, show the lander, covered in frost, as the north polar region of the planet emerged from winter darkness. Phoenix completed a five-month mission studying the region in November 2008, and project officials have said they plan to try contacting the spacecraft again in early 2010 as spring returns to the landing site, although establishing communications with the lander after its long hibernation is considered "highly unlikely". MRO itself has been in an extended safe mode for several weeks because of a series of computer resets.
Related Links:
| <<previous article | next article>> |
|
news in brief
|
|
SpaceX sets Nov. 18 launch date for sixth Starship test flight
Posted: Sat, Nov 9 9:57 AM ET (1457 GMT) |
|
news links
|
|
Tuesday, November 26
Firefly’s Lunar Lander Launch Window To Open In Mid-January
Aviation Week — 6:53 am ET (1153 GMT) Editorial: Coloradans, unite to keep Space Command in Colorado Springs
Denver Post — 6:52 am ET (1152 GMT) Bipartisan letter urges Trump to keep Space Force HQ in Colorado
KXRM-TV Colorado Springs — 6:52 am ET (1152 GMT) Colorado leaders applaud as Air Force says Schriever Space Base to serve as home of Space Delta 15
Colorado Public Radio — 6:51 am ET (1151 GMT) Rocket Lab Completes Dual Launches
Aviation Week — 6:50 am ET (1150 GMT) |
