NASA declares Mars Phoenix mission over
Posted: Mon, Nov 10, 2008, 8:59 PM ET (0159 GMT)
NASA's Mars Phoenix Lander spacecraft has been given up for dead after failing to communicate with controllers for over a week, project officials announced Monday. Phoenix was last heard from on November 2, several days after a dust storm reduced power levels on the spacecraft to dangerously low levels. Officials believe the spacecraft's batteries were discharged, and the lander is not getting enough sunlight as winter approaches at the landing site for the lander to continue operations. Phoenix, which landed on Mars on May 25, was originally planned to last for three months, but the spacecraft operated for five before losing power. Orbiting spacecraft will continue to listen for any signals from the lander should it somehow regain power, but project officials were not optimistic contact with Phoenix would be restored.
NASA's Mars Phoenix Lander spacecraft has been given up for dead after failing to communicate with controllers for over a week, project officials announced Monday. Phoenix was last heard from on November 2, several days after a dust storm reduced power levels on the spacecraft to dangerously low levels. Officials believe the spacecraft's batteries were discharged, and the lander is not getting enough sunlight as winter approaches at the landing site for the lander to continue operations. Phoenix, which landed on Mars on May 25, was originally planned to last for three months, but the spacecraft operated for five before losing power. Orbiting spacecraft will continue to listen for any signals from the lander should it somehow regain power, but project officials were not optimistic contact with Phoenix would be restored.
Related Links:
| <<previous article | next article>> |
|
news in brief
|
|
Retired Air Force officer nominated to be NASA deputy administrator
Posted: Sat, May 10 9:44 AM ET (1344 GMT) |
|
news links
|
|
Saturday, May 17
Cash crunch worsens at UK-backed Starlink rival as Trump tears up contracts
The Daily Telegraph — 8:47 am ET (1247 GMT) Rocket Lab Successfully Launches Third Mission for iQPS in Multi-Launch Contract, Sets Schedule For the Next iQPS Mission
Rocket Lab — 8:45 am ET (1245 GMT) The space race is being reshaped by geopolitics, offering opportunities for countries such as New Zealand
The Conversation — 8:45 am ET (1245 GMT) Brush Fire Contained to 27.5 Acres at Vandenberg Space Force Base
Santa Barbara (CA) Edhat — 8:44 am ET (1244 GMT) Amid demand for satellite support, Space Force leans on commercial
Defense News — 8:44 am ET (1244 GMT) |
