Instrument concerns accelerate Mars sample analysis plans
Posted: Thu, Jul 3, 2008, 7:45 AM ET (1145 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
|
|
Sunday, February 12
Young girl's curiosity of science leads to becoming first African-American woman in space
US Air Force — 6:58 pm ET (2358 GMT) Cleveland-built testing equipment ready for space
AP — 6:57 pm ET (2357 GMT) Out of this world! Video shows spectacular view of moon and Northern Lights from space
The Daily Mail — 6:56 pm ET (2356 GMT) Final ‘go’ for Vega launch
ESA — 10:27 am ET (1527 GMT) Our spaceship has arrived: Museum of Flight takes delivery of Soyuz capsule
GeekWire — 9:01 am ET (1401 GMT) |