Mars has undergone a remarkable evolution since the first probe from Earth went sailing past the planet, sending back a few shots. Given what we saw, Mars was declared a dead planet, somewhat like our Moon, not really worthy of our attention.
Continue reading "The Changing Face of Mars"
Still about 500 e-mails behind (new ones just keep coming in), so I have a feeling that these summary postings are going to be the mode of operations until I get caught up.
NASA will hold a one hour briefing (starting at 9:00 AM—I presume EDT but it doesn't say—on Monday, September 19, 2005) concerning the Exploration Systems Architecture Study. The White House has backed NASA's plans for the new architecture. No details on how they will address the gap between the stated retirement date for the shuttle (2010) and the first flights of the CEV (2012). If all goes well, look for a return to the Moon in 2018. Here are some shots of the proposed shuttle-derived launchers as well as proposed changes to processing, etc.
Continue reading "Another Big Update"
Scientists and engineers have gotten the go-ahead to build and direct the Phoenix Mars Lander (scheduled for a August 3, 2007 launch).
Addendum (June 5, 2005): NASA Watch wonders what the Phoenix really is costing.
NASA Administrator Mike Griffin has been criss-crossing the country, visiting various NASA centers. Here's an account of his visit to Dryden Flight Research Center and a visit to the Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
Continue reading "Crossing the Country"
NASA is developing a "master plan" for the exploration of Mars. Some changes are already being hinted at: for example, the Mars Science Laboratory might slip from a 2009 launch to a 2011 launch.
Holy smokes, they've done it again. When this morning's release was delayed, I suspected that something was up. Today's Martian Picture of the Day is another triumph for the folks at Malin Space Science Systems. Please link directly to the site to read the extensive commentary. They've found Viking Lander 2 and they may have located the lost Mars Polar Lander. Amazing work, folks (NASA/JPL/MSSS)!
As previously posted, it looked like Opportunity may have stumbled across a meteorite in its travels. Looks like this has been confirmed! Opportunity is also visiting its heat shield.
We also have confirmation of what I overheard during the Huygens landing briefing: The MARSIS instrument on the ESA's Mars Express will finally be deployed.
And, coming from NASA, is the Phoenix Mars Lander mission, scheduled for 2007.
The Toronto Star describes the Canadian developed lidar equipment aboard NASA's 2007 Scout Mission that will be used to analyze the composition of the Martian athmosphere.
The Canadian Space Agency has awarded a $1.2 million contract to MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. (MDA) for the development of a key scientific instrument of the NASA Phoenix Mission, set to go to Mars in 2007:
"Most benefits from science missions to Mars occur right here on Earth," said Allan Rock, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for the CSA. "Such highly specialized technological challenges enhance our industry's innovative capacities. Furthermore, the funds are spent right here in Canada, allowing for new job opportunities and technology transfers to other sectors of the industry".MDA is also developing robotic systems for the 2009 SmartLander program.This project marks the beginning of a multiphase program to produce Canada's contribution to the Phoenix mission. Phase A involves the development of detailed specifications and concept design by MDA of key components of the Meteorological Station information system for the mission. This station will provide information on the climate of Mars.
The Canadian Dalhousie University's Atmospheric-Optics Laboratory is looking to hire a scientist for Phoenix Mars Scout Mission activities:
The research will be performed as part of the science team for the Meteorological Station (MET). Specific responsibilities include simulating the performance and capabilities of the lidar (light detection and ranging) system aboard the Phoenix lander, and designing a measurement program. Applicants should have a Ph.D. in physics, atmospheric science, or related disciplines, and have technical skills so that contributions can be made to the Earth-based lidar project already underway in the Laboratory. Salary and position are commensurate with experience. Applicants should submit their resume and names of three references to:The Phoenix Mars Scout Mission is slated to visit the Red Planet in 2007.Dr. Thomas J. Duck
Department of Physics and Atmospheric Science
Dalhousie University
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Canada B3H 3J5
Applications will be considered until the position is filled. For more information on the Atmospheric-Optics Laboratory and its activities, please see its web site.