What launch vehicle did NASA use to carry Phoenix?
The American Phoenix Mars Probe
The Phoenix Mars Probe was launched at 19:53 US Eastern Time on May 25, 2008 (7:53 Beijing time on May 26 ), successfully landed at the North Pole of Mars. Equivalent to northern Canada in Earth's position. The Phoenix was launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida, in August 2007, and traveled 422 million miles before reaching Mars. As planned, Phoenix will carry out a 90-day exploration mission on Mars to conduct surveys of the previously unexplored Arctic regions of the red planet, where it is believed that there may be a large amount of ice hidden beneath the surface. Phoenix lacks the tools to detect signs of extraterrestrial life, but it will study whether ice has melted and look for traces of organic compounds in Arctic permafrost to determine whether life has ever appeared here.
They sailing in the vast universe
New Horizons, detection mission: Pluto, launch time: January 19, 2006
Which countries successfully launched Over artificial satellite? More
The Soviet Union launched mankind’s first artificial earth satellite on October 4, 1957. The United States successfully launched the Explorer-1 satellite on January 31, 1958. France successfully launched the "Experimental Satellite"-1 (A-l) artificial satellite on November 26, 1965. Japan successfully launched the artificial satellite "Osumi" on February 11, 1970. China successfully launched the artificial satellite "Dongfanghong" 1 on April 24, 1970. Britain successfully launched the artificial satellite "Prosparo" on October 28, 1971.
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Content arrangement: Guo Yang
Chinese name
Phoenix Mars Probe
Target Object
Mars
Country
United States
Launch time
2007.8.4 5:26:34.596 (EDT)
Launch vehicle
Delta 2 rocket
Launch location
Kennedy Space Center Launch Pad 17A
Table of Contents
1 Design Features 7?4 Development Background 7?4 Structural Design
2 Mission
3 Naming characteristics
4 After liftoff
5 Related questions
6 Landing on Mars
7 New Discovery
8 First Discovery
9 Disaster
Design Features of the US Phoenix Mars Probe
US Phoenix Mars Probe Development background
The landing site of the "Phoenix" is located in a vast shallow valley with a latitude equivalent to Greenland or northern Alaska on Earth. Unlike its sister Mars rovers Spirit and Opportunity, which used airbags to rebound to their landing sites, this lander used recoil rockets to descend, allowing it to land more accurately at its intended location. This propulsion landing method is also more suitable for landing heavier spacecraft, which NASA needs to use to support possible human exploration of Mars. It is said that the success rate of "Phoenix" landing on the surface of Mars is not high. Historically, 55% of attempts to land on the Martian surface have failed, and Phoenix used a landing method that had not been attempted in 32 years. [1]
After a successful landing, the Phoenix, which weighs about 772 pounds (about 350 kilograms), will wait in place for 15 minutes. When the dust and material kicked up by the landing settle, it will deploy its solar cells. board, raising a weather antenna mast to transmit the first photos of the surrounding environment back to the ground. Over the next few Martian days, Phoenix will inspect its onboard instruments and extend its robotic arm to scoop up the first pile of Martian soil samples. A Martian day is about 40 minutes longer than a day on Earth. Before spending its 10th Martian day, the "Phoenix" will enter the "digging" phase, spending two hours a day digging soil. This phase is expected to take up most of the mission's time.
The design life of the "Phoenix" is 90 days. Although scientists say that the service life of the "Phoenix" may be extended by about a month, and it will continue to be seen in late summer or early autumn, but it The exploration time on Mars will definitely not be as long as the "Spirit" and "Opportunity" rovers. This is because the solar panels on Phoenix cannot generate enough energy to survive the Martian winter. Arvidson said: "Its three legs will be deeply embedded in the ground, covered with dry ice, and the sun will be below the horizon." The implication is that the "Phoenix" cannot obtain a lot of energy through solar panels.
According to plan, the "Phoenix" will arrive on Mars after 10 months of flight and start on the northern plains of Mars
Schematic diagram after landing
The three-month mission detection activities. If the mission is a complete success, it will be the first time in 30 years since the Viking exploration mission that a robot has drilled beneath the surface of Mars. After landing, Phoenix will heat samples of Martian soil in its micro-furnace to study its chemical makeup.
Dr. Peter Smith of the University of Arizona, chief scientist of the Phoenix Mars mission, said that the Phoenix can detect the presence of organic matter, but it cannot tell whether DNA or proteins are present inside.
The Phoenix landing site was chosen at the North Pole because previous probes had found evidence of frozen water lurking beneath the surface of Mars. Some scientists believe that a shoal about 30 miles wide on Mars may be a remnant of an ancient ocean. However, the "Phoenix" will look for evidence of liquid water that has existed for 100,000 years. Today, there is no liquid water on the dry surface of Mars. The mission of the "Phoenix" is to detect whether the underground ice has melted, creating a more humid environment. environment.
Scientists generally believe that melted ice water, organic matter and a stable heat source are the three elements for the existence of life. In order to avoid Phoenix inadvertently bringing organic matter from Earth to Mars, technicians must be more careful when preparing for the launch of the probe. The Phoenix has undergone dry heat treatment and precise cleaning to minimize the number of microorganisms on its surface. In addition, as part of the anti-pollution measures, its robotic arm is also sealed in special materials.
Structure design of the US Phoenix Mars rover
Before launching the detection mission, the "Phoenix" Mars rover must first land in a dusty place
Schematic diagram of landing
Successfully landed on the surface of Mars with angstroms of material. Mars has always been known for swallowing man-made probes. Governments from various countries have launched 15 probes to Mars, but so far only 5 have successfully landed.
The design of the "Phoenix" is very unique. It is supported by three legs. The robotic arm is 20 feet long and is made of aluminum and titanium. It works like a backhoe with a shovel. It can go down and dig a 20-inch-deep trench on Mars, and then spin it to take out soil samples. Although Phoenix lacks the tools to detect past or current life forms on Mars, scientists still hope it will shed light on whether the Martian Arctic Circle contains signs of habitable microbial life.
The cost is only half that of the twin probes
The "Phoenix" probe is the first mission of NASA's "Reconnaissance" program, which uses small space probes to study Mars plan. "Phoenix" is managed by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory and costs $420 million, which is almost half the cost of the $820 million "Opportunity" and "Spirit". These two twin probes were launched in 2003. Still roaming Mars.
The name of the "Phoenix" probe has a special meaning. NASA hopes that it will be reborn like a Phoenix on the basis of the failure of previous missions. The "Phoenix" was originally planned to fly to the red planet in 2001 as the "Mars Odyssey" probe. However, because of concerns that the launch schedule was too tight and it would be counterproductive, the launch plan was canceled in 1999, and the "Mars Odyssey" probe ended up alone. Go to Mars.
After the main mission is completed, it transforms into a weather station
Human exploration of Mars has not been smooth sailing. The Mars Climate Orbiter, launched in 1998, was burned to ashes as it approached Mars due to an error in measurement units between Lockheed Martin and NASA. When the "Mars Polar Lander" launched by NASA the following year landed at the South Pole of Mars, its rocket engine shut down prematurely, and its whereabouts have been unknown ever since. The remains of the two probes have not yet been found.
The "Phoenix" probe was built by Lockheed Martin and carries some scientific instruments similar to those carried by the "Mars Polar Lander" exploration mission. According to Barry Goldstein, project director of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, engineers have conducted rigorous testing on the Phoenix over the past four years "to eliminate all failures that this system may encounter in advance." If "Phoenix" If the rover successfully completes its primary mission and survives, it will then become a weather station to collect data about the Martian atmosphere.
The "Phoenix" detector is a platform supported by three legs. The platform has a diameter of 1.5 meters and a height of about 2.2 meters. At its center is a polyhedral instrument cabin, with one eight-sided side on each side of the cabin. shaped solar array with a span of 5.52 meters. Compared with the "Mars Polar Lander", the biggest change of the "Phoenix" probe is the improvement of the performance of the solar cells. The "Phoenix" probe carries seven kinds of scientific detection instruments. NASA staff jokingly call them seven "secret weapons" for exploring the source of life on Mars. They are:
(1) Mechanical Arm (RA)
It is the most important equipment on the "Phoenix" probe and is used to dig soil samples from the surface and subsurface of Mars. It will send the dug samples to the "Microscope Electrochemistry and Conductivity Analyzer" and "Thermal and Gas Analyzer" carried on the lander for laboratory analysis.
The robotic arm is 2.35 meters long, has 4 degrees of freedom, and is equipped with a serrated blade and a corrugated cone at the end. It can dig 1-meter deep pits on the surface of hard polar frozen soil. The robotic arm also points the camera mounted on the arm and guides probes that measure thermal and electrical conductivity into the soil.
(2) Microscope Electrochemistry and Conductivity Analyzer (MECA)
It is slightly improved on the instrument used in the "Mars Prospector" program , including 4 instruments including a wet chemistry laboratory, an optical microscope, an atomic force microscope and a thermal and electrical conductivity detector, used to detect the elemental components of soil and image soil samples.
(3) Heat and Evolved Gas Analyzer (TEGA)
It consists of a differential scanning calorimeter and a mass spectrometer, which is used to analyze the heat absorption and heat dissipation process of soil samples. Observations were recorded and volatiles released after heating were analyzed.
(4) Surface Stereo Imager (SSI)
It is used to map high-resolution geological maps and robot arm operating area maps, and conduct multi-spectral analysis and atmospheric observations. It can capture high-definition, color, and three-dimensional images of the terrain at the landing location.
(5) Robot Arm Camera (RAC)
It is installed on the digging shovel at the end of the robot arm to take high-resolution images of soil samples collected by the robot arm and analyze them. Type and size of soil particles.
(6) Mars Descent Imager (MARDI)
It is used to dynamically photograph the surface of Mars during the descent of the "Phoenix" and investigate the geological conditions near the landing site.
(7) Weather Station (MS)
This is a new instrument specially developed by the Canadian Space Agency for the "Phoenix" lander. It consists of two parts: a lidar and a temperature and pressure measurement device. It can monitor dust, temperature and other changes in the Martian atmosphere, and record daily weather conditions in the Martian North Pole.
U.S. Phoenix Mars Probe Mission
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August 4, 2007, 5:26:34, 596 milliseconds Eastern Time (Beijing Time< /p>
Simulation diagram of Phoenix using rocket thrusters to perform a soft landing
On August 4, 17:26:34 seconds 596 milliseconds), the American "Phoenix" Mars landing probe was launched by a The Delta 2 rocket was launched from launch pad 17A at the Kennedy Space Center and began its flight to Mars.
"Exploring ice" under the surface of Mars
The "Phoenix" landed in a plain permafrost zone in the Arctic Circle of Mars on May 25, 2008. Afterwards, it used advanced Seven instruments including an aluminum-titanium alloy mechanical excavation arm are used to carry out various explorations, such as "exploring ice" under the surface of Mars, looking for new clues about the possible existence of certain life forms in the history of Mars, and observing climate cycle patterns in the Arctic of Mars.
The designed exploration mission of "Phoenix" is three months, and the entire project costs approximately US$420 million. It is the first probe launched by NASA's low-cost Mars exploration program called Recon. If the "Phoenix" successfully lands on Mars and starts exploration activities, it will be the first time that a human probe has extended its detection range below the surface of Mars since the "Viking" Mars probe drilled holes on Mars 30 years ago.
The "Phoenix" has a very different style from the American Spirit and Opportunity rovers that have experienced dust storms on Mars. The twin rovers that landed on Mars in 2004 will roam on the surface of Mars near the equator, while the "Phoenix" will "sit down" in the north pole region of Mars and stay fixed in one place.
To reveal the source of Mars’ frozen water
Previous Mars exploration results showed that although the red planet is now dry and barren, it is far away
Landing map
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Rivers and oceans were probably spread throughout ancient times. Scientists believe that some form of life may have existed on Mars.
In 2002, the U.S. "Odyssey" probe discovered evidence of the existence of a large-scale frozen water layer north of 65 degrees north latitude on Mars. The "Phoenix" headed towards this frozen water layer.
Scientists speculate that the frozen water layer may be the frozen remnants of ancient oceans on Mars, or may be formed by water vapor in the Martian atmosphere spreading beneath the surface, or it may be leftover from the retreat of ancient huge ice sheets. .
No Mars probe launched by humans has so far found traces of water on the arid surface of Mars. An important purpose of the "Phoenix" "ice exploration" is to detect the possibility of melting the underground ice in the polar regions of Mars and creating a moist "underground microenvironment".
Characteristics of the naming of the American Phoenix Mars probe
Edit
The landing probe was named "Phoenix", which means "rebirth from the ashes". NASA said in the introduction materials that the "Phoenix" was actually born out of a previous aborted Mars probe project, and many of its components were reused to become the basic structure of the "Phoenix". In addition, the "Phoenix" designers also borrowed and improved some designs of the "Mars Polar Lander" probe that disappeared after landing on Mars in 1999. The space agency said it hoped that the "Phoenix", which was "reborn" on the basis of its predecessors, would live up to expectations and make more major new discoveries in Mars exploration.
After the US Phoenix Mars probe took off
Key processes
NASA launched the Phoenix Mars probe in August 2007. The Phoenix Mars probe will After flying about 680 million kilometers and soft landing at the Martian North Pole in May 2008, it will dig soil on Mars to understand whether the local environment is suitable for biological survival.
The following are the key steps after Phoenix is ignited and launched into space
T-00 minutes and 00 seconds
Launched into space
Delta 2 of the "American Launch Alliance" The rocket's one main engine and two trimmer thrusters are started just before launch. Six ground-started strap-on solid rocket motors were ignited at T-0, and the "Phoenix" Mars probe began to launch.
T+01 minutes 03 seconds 1
Ground-started solid rocket motor combustion
These 6 ground-started solid rocket engines produced by Alliant Technical Systems Co., Ltd. The rocket engine runs out of propellant and burns.
T+01 minutes 05 seconds 5
Aerial start of ground start ignition
The remaining three solid rocket motors tied to the first stage of the Delta 2 rocket ignition.
T+01 minutes and 06 seconds 0
Discard ground-starting solid rocket motors
Six fuel-exhausted ground-starting solid rocket thrusters are divided into 3 units. One group was thrown into the Atlantic Ocean.
T+02 minutes 11 seconds 5
Discard air-start solid rocket motor
After the fuel is exhausted, 3 air-start solid rocket thrusters that have completed their mission Ejected towards the Atlantic Ocean.
T+04 minutes 23 seconds 3
Main engine stalled
After consuming RP-1 fuel and liquid oxygen, Rocketdyne RS-27A first stage Main engine shuts down. The trimmer engine also stalled shortly after.
T+04 minutes and 31 seconds 3
First-stage rocket separation
One segment of the Delta rocket has completed its mission and now begins to separate. It will fall into the Atlantic Ocean.
T+04 minutes, 36 seconds 8
Second stage rocket ignition
After the first stage of the rocket was discarded, the second stage of the Delta rocket took over the baton. The Aerojet AJ10-118K liquid fuel propulsion engine ignited and heated for the first time, pushing the "Phoenix" probe to continue flying to high altitudes.
T+05 minutes 03 seconds 0
Discard the payload fairing
Installed on the Delta 2 rocket to protect the "Phoenix" detection The vehicle's 9.5-foot-diameter payload fairing split in two during ascent.
T+09 minutes 20 seconds 5
The second-stage rocket stalled for the first time
The second-stage engine reached 86.4X96.5 nautical miles at an inclination angle of 28.5 degrees. The orbit then closed to complete its first launch ignition mission. The Delta 2 rocket and the Phoenix probe tied to it are currently in the taxiing stage before the second-stage rocket is re-ignited.
T+73 minutes and 47 seconds 2
The second-stage rocket restarts
The second-stage engine of the Delta 2 rocket ignites again, accelerating the payload. .
T+76 minutes 02 seconds 3
The second stage rocket stalled for the second time
After reaching an orbit of 87.7 X 13,128.1 nautical miles at an inclination angle of 28.5 degrees, The second-stage rocket completed its mission and shut down. In the next minute, a micro-propeller on the side of the Delta 2 rocket will be ignited, pushing the Phoenix to prepare to separate from the second stage rocket.
T+77 minutes 05 seconds 5
Second stage rocket separation
The liquid fuel propelled second stage rocket completely separated from the remaining part of the Delta 2 rocket .
T+77 minutes and 42 seconds 8
Three-stage rocket ignition
Thiokol's Star-48B solid fuel three-section engine ignites to drive the "Phoenix" The probe leaves Earth orbit.
T+79 minutes and 10 seconds 3
The three-stage rocket stalled
After all the liquid propellant was exhausted, the three-stage rocket burned and the "Phoenix" detected The power phase of the launch sequence is completed.
T+84 minutes 10 seconds 3
"Phoenix" probe separated
NASA's "Phoenix" probe separated from the three-stage rocket and began Flying to the red planet for 9 months.
Questions related to the American Phoenix Mars Probe
Question 2: What will the "Phoenix" do?
Answer: In 2002, the American "Odyssey" probe found evidence of an icy layer north of 65 degrees north latitude on Mars. Scientists hope that the "Phoenix" can help them see the true face of this frozen layer and analyze whether the frozen layer has ever melted into liquid water. In addition, with the help of Martian soil samples excavated by the Phoenix, scientists can also analyze whether there are organic compounds in the soil. From these two clues, water and organic compounds, scientists can further infer whether the historical environment of Mars is suitable for life.
Question 3: What is the difference between the "Phoenix" and the Mars rover?
Answer: "Phoenix" relies on three "legs" to support its body and cannot move. After landing, it will "squat" in place to carry out detection activities. The Mars rover, as its name implies, is a "car" that can be driven around for detection.
Question 4: What is special about the landing method of the "Phoenix"?
Answer: The United States' "Spirit" and "Opportunity" Mars rovers previously used airbags for safety when landing on Mars
Phoenix is being assembled and tested
The rover bounces on the surface of Mars and stops. Then the air bag opens and the rover starts. The "Phoenix" adopted a "soft landing" method. When it entered the Martian atmosphere, it relied on friction with the atmosphere and the release of a parachute to achieve a major deceleration. The speed dropped from 20,000 kilometers per hour to 8 kilometers per hour. When it was approaching the ground, it decelerated further through the ignition and braking of the thrusters, and finally landed steadily. Mars surface. This is also the second time that the United States has successfully achieved a braking and deceleration landing of a Mars probe since the Viking 1 and 2 probes landed on Mars in 1976.
1. Meet the Phoenix
This picture shows the Phoenix being assembled and tested to see how the Lockheed Martin space system performs. Phoenix was born out of a previous aborted Mars probe project, and many of its components were reused to become the basic structure of Phoenix. On this basis, designers also made some improvements.
2. Running to Mars
The American Phoenix Mars probe was launched from Florida, the United States, by a Delta 2 carrier rocket at 17:26 on August 4, 2007, Beijing time. Launched from the Cape Canaveral launch pad, it finally reached Mars after a 10-month journey.
3. Mars landing site
Phoenix’s Mars landing site is located on the Vastitas-Beleris Arctic plain on Mars. This landing site is larger than the previous spacecraft landing site on Mars. The location is further north.
4. The position of the landing site relative to the Earth
The Phoenix landing site on Mars is located at the north pole of Mars at approximately 68° north latitude and 233° east longitude. Relative to the earth,
This location is equivalent to northern Canada on Earth, as shown on Earth.
5. Entering the Martian atmosphere
This computer-generated picture shows the Phoenix Mars probe entering the Martian atmosphere on May 26, 2007, Beijing time.
6. Parachute decelerates and descends
In order to slow down Phoenix's landing on the surface of Mars, Phoenix deployed a huge parachute to slow down Phoenix's descent.
7. Calibrating the landing device
As the landing on the Martian surface got closer and closer, the Phoenix Mars lander threw away the heat shield that protected it from entering the Martian atmosphere, and unfolded three Landing legs, landing the way you intended.
8. Align the target position
This light and dark terrain map shows the target position of Phoenix landing on Mars and the surrounding terrain. Different colors represent different terrains. The location where Phoenix landed on Mars on May 26, 2014 is in the center of the oval in this picture, but it can also land in the largest oval and achieve a successful landing.
9. The brake rocket starts braking
When the brake rocket engine starts, NASA's Phoenix begins to further slow down to the surface of Mars and restores its balance to land safely On Mars.
10. Ice station on Mars
This picture shows Phoenix unfolding its life-or-death solar panels and robotic arm with a shovel on the tip at the landing site after landing on the surface of Mars.
New discoveries by the US Phoenix Mars probe
New discoveries by NASA
China News Service, Los Angeles, June 21, 2008, NASA (NASA) Scientists officially announced on the 20th that the shiny material dug up by the Phoenix Mars landing probe near the landing site was frozen water, confirming that water does exist on Mars. This is also the first time that humans have obtained frozen water samples outside the earth through a probe.
On June 15, 2008, the Phoenix probe discovered some small shiny squares while digging into the red soil on the surface of Mars. Under the sunlight, these small squares disappeared four days later.
Peter Smith, the leader of the "Phoenix" exploration mission and a scientist from the University of Arizona, said at a press conference in Tucson, Arizona: "Today, I am proud and happy to announce that we Evidence has been found that these hard, bright substances are indeed frozen water and not some other substance." According to reports, scientists have ruled out the possibility that these small cubes are dry ice or salt. Because salt does not evaporate; carbon dioxide requires a lower temperature to become solid (dry ice). The temperature at the Phoenix landing site was about minus 32°C during the day and minus 80°C at night. In Mars' thin atmosphere, dry ice requires much lower temperatures. Peter Smith said that on Mars, the boiling point of water is only 4°C, and water will evaporate quickly at very low temperatures.
NASA scientists also revealed that the Phoenix robotic arm encountered a hard surface while digging on June 19, 2008. Scientists judged that this was probably a larger ice layer.
Scientists say that the truth they want to explore is not only to find water on Mars, but also to explore the minerals, chemical composition and possible organic compounds on Mars.
The American Phoenix Mars probe discovered for the first time
Snow on Mars
China News Service, Los Angeles, September 29, 2008 There is also snow on Mars! The US Phoenix Mars probe has detected snowfall from Martian clouds and found the latest evidence that liquid water once existed on Mars.
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) announced the latest scientific results of the Phoenix Mars probe that day. A laser instrument on the Phoenix used to collect the interaction between the Martian atmosphere and the surface of Mars has detected snowfall on Mars. The snowfall comes from the Martian clouds about four kilometers above the Phoenix landing site. The data shows that the snow has vaporized before reaching the surface of Mars.
Jim Whiteway, a professor at York University in Canada who is responsible for the Phoenix weather detection system, said that snowy landscapes on Mars have never been found before, and scientists will look for snow that may fall on the surface of Mars in the future.
In addition to discovering snow for the first time, Phoenix also found clues to the presence of calcium carbonate and clay on Mars. Calcium carbonate is the main component of limestone. On Earth, most carbonates and clays can only be formed under the action of liquid water. This evidence comes from the Thermal and Evolved Gas Analyzer (TEGA) and the Electrochemical Conductivity Microscope Analyzer (MECA) onboard the Phoenix.
The Martian soil samples collected by the Phoenix were loaded into the "Heat and Released Gas Analyzer" for heating. As a result, a colorless gas was released. After analysis by the mass spectrometer, this gas was carbon dioxide, and the gas was released. The temperature of the gas is consistent with the well-known temperature at which calcium carbonate releases carbon dioxide. Through electrochemical conductivity microscopy analysis, it was found that the concentration of calcium in the soil sample was consistent with the calcium content of the calcium carbonate buffer. In addition, analysis by the atomic force microscope on the Phoenix revealed that there are some particles with smooth surfaces in the soil that are very similar to clay.
As of June 29, the Phoenix Mars probe, which was originally planned to operate for three months, has been working for 127 days. Due to the revolution of Mars, the sun's irradiation at the Phoenix landing site is getting less and less. As the solar energy gradually decays, the Phoenix's activities will gradually decrease. Scientists said that at the end of October, the robotic arm will stop working due to insufficient power, and it is expected that the Phoenix will stop operating at the end of 2008. Before the energy is exhausted, scientists will try to turn on the microphone on Phoenix, hoping to record mysterious sounds from Mars.
The American Phoenix Mars probe encountered a disaster
The disaster of the Phoenix
Why is the road to Mars so difficult?
First of all, the communication between the Earth and Mars cannot be guaranteed. Mars and the Earth are said to be the closest brothers. That is an astronomical concept. In fact, they are far away. Even the closest distance is 55 million. meters, and both planets are still rotating, which means that the electromagnetic waves emitted from the earth cannot be guaranteed to be transmitted to the Mars spacecraft continuously, on time, and stably. In addition, the instructions sent by scientists to the spacecraft through instruments (also another type of electromagnetic wave) can only arrive after five minutes, and whatever situation the spacecraft encounters on Mars also arrives after five minutes. Scientists on earth Only then did I know. The problem of poor communication is really not a small one. Fortunately, the United States has launched several unmanned Mars spacecraft before the "Phoenix". These brothers can help the "Phoenix" send messages to the earth. Secondly, landing is difficult. After the spacecraft flies into the Martian atmosphere, it will encounter "seven black minutes." That is to say, it takes about 7 minutes for the spacecraft to fly into the Martian atmosphere and land. However, in these short seven minutes, the spacecraft must undergo a severe test: to avoid being burned by the Martian atmosphere, and to accurately deploy the parachute in the Martian atmosphere. , activate the brake rocket accurately, ensure that the instruments on it are not broken, and ensure that the spacecraft does not fall "on all fours" when it lands, etc. In addition, the atmospheric concentration of Mars is only 1% of that of the Earth's atmosphere. It is difficult to use the buoyancy of the air when the spacecraft lands! In the past, many Mars spacecraft lander failed during the landing process and broke on Mars.
The "Phoenix" is gradually "frozen to death"
NASA announced on June 28, 2008 that it would shut down the "Phoenix" Mars landing one by one starting from that day Heaters on the detector to save energy and allow the "Phoenix" to complete more work before the end of the detection mission. And this probe will also be "frozen to death" in the harsh winter that is gradually approaching on Mars.
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration said in a statement on June 28, 2008: "As expected, the northern hemisphere of Mars is transitioning from summer to autumn. As the days become shorter, solar panels collect sunlight for a longer period of time. The power consumption of the Phoenix will decrease, and the power consumption of the detector will decrease."
Goldstein, project manager of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, said that if no measures are taken, the power consumption of the "Phoenix" will decrease. If the power generation capacity is exceeded, the work will be difficult to continue.
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration began to turn off the four heaters on the "Phoenix" one by one on June 28, 2008. Without these heaters, the robotic arm on the "Phoenix" will no longer be usable. As Mars enters a severe winter, the "Phoenix" signal will eventually disappear.