NASA to try new approach to fix InSight instrument
Posted: Sun, Jun 9, 2019, 9:46 AM ET (1346 GMT)
NASA is planning a new approach to resolving a problem with an instrument on the InSight Mars lander. The Heat Flow and Physics Properties Package includes a probe, or "mole," designed to hammer its way into the surface to a depth of five meters, but has been stuck just 30 centimeters below the surface for three months. NASA said this week it will use the lander's robotic arm to carefully lift up the instrument's support structure and take images of the area around the mole. The arm could also be used to press down on the surface, allowing the mole to gain traction against surrounding soil so it can continue burrowing into the surface.
NASA is planning a new approach to resolving a problem with an instrument on the InSight Mars lander. The Heat Flow and Physics Properties Package includes a probe, or "mole," designed to hammer its way into the surface to a depth of five meters, but has been stuck just 30 centimeters below the surface for three months. NASA said this week it will use the lander's robotic arm to carefully lift up the instrument's support structure and take images of the area around the mole. The arm could also be used to press down on the surface, allowing the mole to gain traction against surrounding soil so it can continue burrowing into the surface.| <<previous article | next article>> |
|
news in brief
|
|
|
|
news links
|
|
Wednesday, January 7
Is the race for moon missions lunacy?
Space News — 6:08 am ET (1108 GMT) Space cyber compliance: managing requirements for today and tomorrow
Space News — 6:08 am ET (1108 GMT) NASA works to extend Swift’s life ahead of reboost mission
Space News — 6:08 am ET (1108 GMT) Interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS isn't an alien spacecraft, astronomers confirm. 'In the end, there were no surprises.'
SPACE.com — 6:07 am ET (1107 GMT) Congress rejects President Trump's deep NASA budget cuts, proposes $24.4 billion for the agency
SPACE.com — 6:06 am ET (1106 GMT) |
