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Phoenix is on Mars!

Published on May 26, 2008 at 12:18 am. 1 Comment.
Filed under Mars.

The Phoenix Mars lander is down and initial data seems to show that the landing went very well, indeed. After landing, the spacecraft sent back telemetry showing that it had landed flat. It is within 1/4 to 1/3 of a degree from horizontal, indicating an extremely flat landing site (what we expected). Apparently, the parachute opened a few seconds later than expected, so the lander slightly overshot the target, but the landing was still within the expected landing oval. A few images were sent back. Most of the initial images were of the lander, itself. After all, it is important to know for sure that the solar panels opened up fine. The initial images show the solar cells are, indeed, open. Some of the images show the landing gear. There is some soil kicked up onto the landing pad. But, the pads are not sunk into the ground, so the surface is firm.

Other images show a very flat horizon. And, as expected, there are far fewer rocks here than in other images from the surface of Mars.

What we see is a wind swept plain, as expected. However, you can see quite a lot of surface morphology in this image. This is unlike anything else that we’ve seen on Mars, so there is plenty for the spacecraft to study. On top of the geology, there is also weather to study. The Phoenix researchers are going to have their hands busy the next few months.

The Phoenix lander mission is listed as 90 days. That is the same as the Mars Exploration Rovers. But, those rovers landed over four years ago, and they are still rolling around on Mars (though clearly showing their age). But, don’t expect Phoenix to last that long. I fully expect it to outlast its stated three month life. However, because it landed to far north on Mars, eventually it will be covered by the advancing ice cap during the Martian winter. The solar panels will not be able to provide enough power to keep the heaters working and the batteries charged. But, this is the Martian spring. That will be the Martian winter. So, if the Phoenix keeps going as well as the rovers, it should last for, I’d guess, about a year before the climate gets to it. We will see, though.

-Astroprof

Images courtesy NASA, UA