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
|
|
|
|
news links
|
|
Sunday, February 23
AAC Clyde Space presents INFLECION: Safer Oceans, Smarter Shipping, and Greener Future
AAC Clyde Space — 1:45 pm ET (1845 GMT) European Commission Supports Atmos With €13.1 Million EIC Funding
Atmos Space Cargo — 1:44 pm ET (1844 GMT) Welcoming Head of Product to Dominate Innovation Across Navigation and Autonomy
Advanced Navigation — 1:42 pm ET (1842 GMT) Mystery of 'remarkable' cosmic explosion that lay hidden for years
Royal Astronomical Society — 1:41 pm ET (1841 GMT) DESI Uncovers 300 New Intermediate-Mass Black Holes Plus 2500 New Active Black Holes in Dwarf Galaxies
National Optical-Infrared Astronomy Research Laboratory — 1:40 pm ET (1840 GMT) |
