Mars orbiter exits safe mode
Posted: Sat, Dec 12, 2009, 9:31 AM ET (1431 GMT)
NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) exited an extended safe mode this week because of computer problems. MRO had been in safe mode since August because of a series of unexpected computer resets, and controllers were concerned about the possibility of back-to-back resets of its primary and backup computers which, if it took place, could jeopardize the mission. Controllers uploaded a software patch last week that would prevent such a scenario and brought the spacecraft out of safe mode earlier this week. Normal scientific observations by the spacecraft are expected to begin next week.
NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) exited an extended safe mode this week because of computer problems. MRO had been in safe mode since August because of a series of unexpected computer resets, and controllers were concerned about the possibility of back-to-back resets of its primary and backup computers which, if it took place, could jeopardize the mission. Controllers uploaded a software patch last week that would prevent such a scenario and brought the spacecraft out of safe mode earlier this week. Normal scientific observations by the spacecraft are expected to begin next week.
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