The Phoenix Mars Lander is due for launch in August 2007. The problem? We're still looking for a safe place to set down!
Those three words describe the intended landing site for the Phoenix Mars Lander, scheduled for launch in 2007. The choice is dictated by the needs of the mission plus the design of the lander.
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"
Two companies have been chosen to redevelop the website for the Phoenix Lander program. Let's hope the features include a paper model of the craft!
Leonard David (writing at http://space.com/) looks at the Phoenix Lander, scheduled for a mission to Mars in 2007.
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 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)!