Hi cosmonauts!
The orbiter is in best shape today but the landing modul Schiaparelli could be lost, It was a test landing modul, the date of descent could be measured and were sent to earth.
The data have been partially analysed and confirm that the entry and descent stages occurred as expected, with events diverging from what was expected after the ejection of the back heat shield and parachute. This ejection itself appears to have occurred earlier than expected, but analysis is not yet complete.
The thrusters were confirmed to have been briefly activated although it seems likely that they switched off sooner than expected, at an altitude that is still to be determined.
“Following yesterday’s events we have an impressive orbiter around Mars ready for science and for relay support for the ExoMars rover mission in 2020,” said Jan Wörner, ESA’s Director General.
http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Space_Science/ExoMars/Schiaparelli_descent_data_decoding_underway
The orbiter has to to yet some import tasks. Even if the landing modul Schiaprellis lost much success !
SCIENCE OBJECTIVESThe Orbiter will be used to investigate trace gases with the following scientific objectives: Deliver a detailed characterisation of the Martian atmosphere's composition. The first scientific goal will be to detect a broad suite of atmospheric trace gases, and key isotopologues (molecules that have at least one atom with a different number of neutrons than the parent molecules), to establish the atmospheric inventory. Following a positive detection of key species, geographical (location and altitude) and seasonal mapping will be carried out. Mapping of the Deuterium/Hydrogen ratio will also be performed, to provide new information on water reservoirs and atmospheric escape. A third goal is characterising the state of the atmosphere, in particular temperatures, aerosols, water vapour, and ozone. The data assimilation technique adopted by the science team will allow them to model the atmospheric circulation. This will help determine whether particular gases are emanating from specific areas on Mars and to provide insights into the nature of the trace gas source. Imaging of surface features Another important objective is to image and to characterise features on the Martian surface which may be related to trace gas sources. The data should provide information on the geological and dynamical context (such as volcanism) for any sources detected. Mapping of subsurface hydrogen The final objective is to map the subsurface hydrogen to a depth of one metre, with a resolution ten times better than previous measurements. INSTRUMENTS IN BRIEFThe Trace Gas Orbiter, manufactured in Europe, will carry a science payload of four instruments:
Last Update: 25 July 2016 |
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- http://exploration.esa.int/jump.cfm?oid=48523
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