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#201 2008-05-23 14:44:44

RedStreak
Banned
From: Illinois
Registered: 2006-05-12
Posts: 541

Re: Phoenix - North Pole Region Lander (PHX)

Man I hope the probe has better systems then their microphones did!  :?

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#202 2008-05-23 23:28:29

Josh Cryer
Moderator
Registered: 2001-09-29
Posts: 3,830

Re: Phoenix - North Pole Region Lander (PHX)

Hey guys. big_smile

I'll be around during the probe landing on Sunday, just wanted to say hey. You'll see a lot of me like when MER happened (read those threads, Stu and I were the most active participants; I hope he makes a wonderful return this year!). smile


Some useful links while MER are active. [url=http://marsrovers.jpl.nasa.gov/home/index.html]Offical site[/url] [url=http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/nasatv/MM_NTV_Web.html]NASA TV[/url] [url=http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/mer2004/]JPL MER2004[/url] [url=http://www.spaceflightnow.com/mars/mera/statustextonly.html]Text feed[/url]
--------
The amount of solar radiation reaching the surface of the earth totals some 3.9 million exajoules a year.

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#203 2008-05-23 23:59:22

dmuller
Member
From: Australia
Registered: 2008-05-04
Posts: 14

Re: Phoenix - North Pole Region Lander (PHX)

Announcement for those following the Phoenix Real-Time Simulation at http://www.dmuller.net/phoenix
Just in case anything goes wrong with the server, there is a backup / mirror site of the script at http://www.dmuller.com/phoenix
Enjoy watching the landing! Daniel


Spaceflight resources to share: [url=http://www.dmuller.net/phoenix/]Phoenix Real-Time Simulation[/url]. [i]More soon ...[/i]

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#204 2008-05-24 01:57:23

cIclops
Member
Registered: 2005-06-16
Posts: 3,230

Re: Phoenix - North Pole Region Lander (PHX)

Landing Variables Weighed - 22 May 2008

By Craig Covault/Aviation Week & Space Technology

PASADENA, Calif. - NASA Phoenix Mars lander flight controllers at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) are intensively assessing two final major variables that could affect the success of the Phoenix landing on the planet at 7:53 p.m. EST May 25.

One factor is the weather, specifically atmospheric density, at the north polar landing site. Data from Mars Odyssey and Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) are being examined to determine if any updates will be needed to the timing of Phoenix parachute deployment.

Peter Smith, the mission principal investigator from the University of Arizona, said that so far neither atmospheric density nor weather overall appear to be problems at the landing site, although the team will remain vigilant until just before landing.

Slightly less atmospheric density at the Spirit rover's landing site caused by a dust storm a few days before its Jan. 4, 2004, landing caused its parachute to be slightly less effective than desired, nearly resulting in a crash.

If atmospheric density is a concern for Phoenix, controllers can program the spacecraft to deploy its parachute a few seconds earlier than the original timing. Such an update can be sent to Phoenix as late as three hours before touchdown. A few weeks ago MRO imagery showed two large dust devils roaming around the center of the landing site. There should be less of a chance for dust devils now due to somewhat increased temperatures at the site, but nobody wants Phoenix to be greeted by even a weak Martian dust devil on landing day.

"Much like conditions on Earth, the weather on Mars fluctuates and has an impact on the parameters we provide to the spacecraft during entry, descent and landing," says Brent Shockley, Phoenix configuration and information management engineer. "Therefore, engineers at JPL monitor the weather at the landing site up until landing and feed those conditions into the simulations run on the supercomputers at JPL to see how it might affect our landing and how we need to adjust the parameters we send to the spacecraft."

In addition to weather at the landing site, Phoenix controllers also are analyzing tracking data from a 2-second rocket engine firing May 17 to nudge the spacecraft slightly more toward the center of the 20-kilometer wide, 60-kilometer long landing ellipse. A final trajectory correction maneuver 21 hours before landing is being considered that would move the touchdown point about 8 miles toward the northwest, with the goal of hitting the center of the certified landing zone, where rock hazards are minimal. A final decision will be made on that maneuver about midday May 24, with the actual rocket engine firing at about 9 p.m. PST that night.

"Phoenix is getting closer, but there is obviously still plenty of work to be done," Shockley says.

If a person were riding on Phoenix now four days before landing, Mars would appear to be about the size of the full moon out in front of the spacecraft, but growing larger and larger day by day.

By midday May 25 it will be an enormous red planet dominating the blackness of space ahead of the lander just as it separates from its cruise stage. Phoenix will be approaching from the northern night side heading toward a touchdown just above the Martin arctic circle at midday local time at the landing site.

spacecraft status: in cruise mode, final approach

____Altitude above Mars: 400,000 km and falling
__Distance to Landing: 2,800,000 km and closing
____Speed relative to Mars: 9,718 km/h and increasing

39 hours to landing


[color=darkred]Let's go to Mars and far beyond -  triple NASA's budget ![/color] [url=irc://freenode#space]  #space channel !! [/url] [url=http://www.youtube.com/user/c1cl0ps]   - videos !!![/url]

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#205 2008-05-24 14:08:56

Vincent
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From: North Carolina USA
Registered: 2008-04-13
Posts: 623

Re: Phoenix - North Pole Region Lander (PHX)

Translation on weather concerns For those not well versed in Martian weather.

The problem with the Spirit density was a dust storm. On Mars Dust storms can raise local or regional temperatures by 30C high into the atmosphere, unlike the day time maximum surface temperatures that can reach only a few hundred meters.

Warm air is less dense than cold air and produce less drag on the chute.

Vincent


Argument expected.
I don't require agreement when presenting new ideas.

-Dana Johnson

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#206 2008-05-24 14:10:14

cIclops
Member
Registered: 2005-06-16
Posts: 3,230

Re: Phoenix - North Pole Region Lander (PHX)

spaceflightnow mission status report -

SATURDAY, MAY 24, 2008 1940 GMT (3:40 p.m. EDT)

Mission managers will decide no later than 8:30 p.m. EDT whether Phoenix needs to perform a tiny maneuver tonight that would move its landing site target and lessen the odds of the craft coming down in a rocky area. Final trajectory analysis underway this afternoon will culminate with officials determining if the course-correction is necessary.

Phoenix has performed four maneuvers to change its flight path since launch. Tonight's would be a very brief maneuver, similar to pressing a spray can for a few moments. The result would move the target landing spot about six miles downtrack, officials said.

Phoenix remains in good shape and the landing zone weather appears favorable

EDL simulation with narration

spacecraft status: in cruise mode, final approach

____Altitude above Mars: 280,000 km and falling
__Distance to Landing: 1,900,000 km and closing
____Speed relative to Mars: 9,776 km/h and increasing

27 hours to landing


[color=darkred]Let's go to Mars and far beyond -  triple NASA's budget ![/color] [url=irc://freenode#space]  #space channel !! [/url] [url=http://www.youtube.com/user/c1cl0ps]   - videos !!![/url]

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#207 2008-05-24 18:45:04

Vincent
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From: North Carolina USA
Registered: 2008-04-13
Posts: 623

Re: Phoenix - North Pole Region Lander (PHX)

Tomorrow will be the greatest day or the worst day. Dana will start his analysts. Hort will give his story. Sir Charles will give his input. They are the best brother.

Vincent will try an reconcile all of it.

I am getting jazzed

Vincent


Argument expected.
I don't require agreement when presenting new ideas.

-Dana Johnson

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#208 2008-05-24 23:00:34

Commodore
Member
From: Upstate NY, USA
Registered: 2004-07-25
Posts: 1,021

Re: Phoenix - North Pole Region Lander (PHX)

Whats our post landing life span?


"Yes, I was going to give this astronaut selection my best shot, I was determined when the NASA proctologist looked up my ass, he would see pipes so dazzling he would ask the nurse to get his sunglasses."
---Shuttle Astronaut Mike Mullane

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#209 2008-05-24 23:23:46

Josh Cryer
Moderator
Registered: 2001-09-29
Posts: 3,830

Re: Phoenix - North Pole Region Lander (PHX)

dmuller, excellent simulation you put together, just wanted to thank you for sharing it here (I spammed it in IRC channels I'm in btw). smile


Some useful links while MER are active. [url=http://marsrovers.jpl.nasa.gov/home/index.html]Offical site[/url] [url=http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/nasatv/MM_NTV_Web.html]NASA TV[/url] [url=http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/mer2004/]JPL MER2004[/url] [url=http://www.spaceflightnow.com/mars/mera/statustextonly.html]Text feed[/url]
--------
The amount of solar radiation reaching the surface of the earth totals some 3.9 million exajoules a year.

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#210 2008-05-24 23:25:15

Josh Cryer
Moderator
Registered: 2001-09-29
Posts: 3,830

Re: Phoenix - North Pole Region Lander (PHX)

Stu might not be making an appearance in the "landing thread" this year, but he made it on the Planetary Societies Blog: http://www.planetary.org/blog/article/00001441/


Some useful links while MER are active. [url=http://marsrovers.jpl.nasa.gov/home/index.html]Offical site[/url] [url=http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/nasatv/MM_NTV_Web.html]NASA TV[/url] [url=http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/mer2004/]JPL MER2004[/url] [url=http://www.spaceflightnow.com/mars/mera/statustextonly.html]Text feed[/url]
--------
The amount of solar radiation reaching the surface of the earth totals some 3.9 million exajoules a year.

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#211 2008-05-25 00:21:50

cIclops
Member
Registered: 2005-06-16
Posts: 3,230

Re: Phoenix - North Pole Region Lander (PHX)

Lander Briefing - Landing Preview - 24 May 2008 - video 63 mins

Best briefing yet, lots of excitement and the usual "what's the worst thing that can happen" questions.

orbital view of recent weather conditions

spacecraft status: in cruise mode, final approach (TCM #6 canceled)

____Altitude above Mars: 180,000 km and falling
__Distance to Landing: 1,200,000 km and closing
____Speed relative to Mars: 9,879 km/h and increasing

local weather conditions: fine, clear sky, temperatures between -73°C and - 33°C

17 hours to landing


[color=darkred]Let's go to Mars and far beyond -  triple NASA's budget ![/color] [url=irc://freenode#space]  #space channel !! [/url] [url=http://www.youtube.com/user/c1cl0ps]   - videos !!![/url]

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#212 2008-05-25 00:47:18

cIclops
Member
Registered: 2005-06-16
Posts: 3,230

Re: Phoenix - North Pole Region Lander (PHX)

Whats our post landing life span?

Primary mission is 90 sols. She should last as long as there's enough solar power - as winter approaches the Sun will slip below the horizon into the long winter night and she'll freeze to death inside a layer of CO2 ice. Total expected lifespan is about 160 sols after landing.


[color=darkred]Let's go to Mars and far beyond -  triple NASA's budget ![/color] [url=irc://freenode#space]  #space channel !! [/url] [url=http://www.youtube.com/user/c1cl0ps]   - videos !!![/url]

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#213 2008-05-25 03:41:58

dmuller
Member
From: Australia
Registered: 2008-05-04
Posts: 14

Re: Phoenix - North Pole Region Lander (PHX)

Whats our post landing life span?

31 hours if both solar panels fail to extend ... let's hope that wont happen!


Spaceflight resources to share: [url=http://www.dmuller.net/phoenix/]Phoenix Real-Time Simulation[/url]. [i]More soon ...[/i]

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#214 2008-05-25 05:14:30

dmuller
Member
From: Australia
Registered: 2008-05-04
Posts: 14

Re: Phoenix - North Pole Region Lander (PHX)

... sharing it here (I spammed it in IRC channels I'm in btw). smile

Yes please feel free to spread the word ... it's meant to be seen after all!
Daniel


Spaceflight resources to share: [url=http://www.dmuller.net/phoenix/]Phoenix Real-Time Simulation[/url]. [i]More soon ...[/i]

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#215 2008-05-25 06:19:30

cIclops
Member
Registered: 2005-06-16
Posts: 3,230

Re: Phoenix - North Pole Region Lander (PHX)

phxlithographue2.jpg

spacecraft status: in cruise mode, final approach (TCM #6 canceled)

__Altitude above Mars: 120,000 km and falling
__Distance to Landing: 800,000 km and closing
_Speed relative to Mars: 10,014 km/h and accelerating

local weather conditions: fine, clear sky, temperatures between -73°C and - 33°C

11 hours to landing


[color=darkred]Let's go to Mars and far beyond -  triple NASA's budget ![/color] [url=irc://freenode#space]  #space channel !! [/url] [url=http://www.youtube.com/user/c1cl0ps]   - videos !!![/url]

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#216 2008-05-25 07:54:03

Terraformer
Member
From: Ceres
Registered: 2007-08-27
Posts: 3,800
Website

Re: Phoenix - North Pole Region Lander (PHX)

I'm confused. Is it landing around 12 midnight in GMT?


"I'm gonna die surrounded by the biggest idiots in the galaxy." - If this forum was a Mars Colony

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#217 2008-05-25 09:03:23

Belinda
Member
From: UK
Registered: 2004-12-03
Posts: 31

Re: Phoenix - North Pole Region Lander (PHX)

Is it landing around 12 midnight in GMT?

UTC is the same as GMT so, about half-past eleven.

Cheers,

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#218 2008-05-25 10:20:44

RedStreak
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From: Illinois
Registered: 2006-05-12
Posts: 541

Re: Phoenix - North Pole Region Lander (PHX)

Here's info from Space.com's site: http://www.space.com/missionlaunches/08 … eview.html

NASA will broadcast Phoenix's approach and landing attempt live on NASA TV from the JPL control room here,  with commentary set to begin at 6:00 p.m. EDT (2200 GMT).

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#219 2008-05-25 16:26:24

cIclops
Member
Registered: 2005-06-16
Posts: 3,230

Re: Phoenix - North Pole Region Lander (PHX)

In response to a question by a newmars participant today at Emily Lakdawalla's live video chat, she confirmed that MRO will attempt to image Phoenix as it descends by parachute. Also MEX will attempt to image the entry fireball. Once on the ground MRO should be able to image the lander within a few days.

spacecraft status: in EDL phase, (TCM #6X canceled)

__Altitude above Mars: 16,000 km and falling
__Distance to Landing: 92,000 km and closing
_Speed relative to Mars: 16,000 km/h and accelerating

local weather conditions: fine, clear sky, temperatures between -73°C and - 33°C

88 minutes to landing


[color=darkred]Let's go to Mars and far beyond -  triple NASA's budget ![/color] [url=irc://freenode#space]  #space channel !! [/url] [url=http://www.youtube.com/user/c1cl0ps]   - videos !!![/url]

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#220 2008-05-25 18:03:41

cIclops
Member
Registered: 2005-06-16
Posts: 3,230

Re: Phoenix - North Pole Region Lander (PHX)

Phoenix has landed!


[color=darkred]Let's go to Mars and far beyond -  triple NASA's budget ![/color] [url=irc://freenode#space]  #space channel !! [/url] [url=http://www.youtube.com/user/c1cl0ps]   - videos !!![/url]

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#221 2008-05-25 18:05:51

Belinda
Member
From: UK
Registered: 2004-12-03
Posts: 31

Re: Phoenix - North Pole Region Lander (PHX)

Phoenix has landed!

Brilliant! When do we get the postcard?

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#222 2008-05-25 18:11:34

cIclops
Member
Registered: 2005-06-16
Posts: 3,230

Re: Phoenix - North Pole Region Lander (PHX)

About 90 mins from now.


[color=darkred]Let's go to Mars and far beyond -  triple NASA's budget ![/color] [url=irc://freenode#space]  #space channel !! [/url] [url=http://www.youtube.com/user/c1cl0ps]   - videos !!![/url]

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#223 2008-05-25 18:13:16

Rune
Banned
From: Madrid, Spain
Registered: 2008-05-22
Posts: 191

Re: Phoenix - North Pole Region Lander (PHX)

In a little over 2 hours, if the solar panels deploy ok.


Rune. Hello martians! big_smile


In the beginning the universe was created. This has made a lot of people very angry and been widely regarded as a "bad move"

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#224 2008-05-25 19:18:17

louis
Member
From: UK
Registered: 2008-03-24
Posts: 7,208

Re: Phoenix - North Pole Region Lander (PHX)

Brilliant news!

I was slightly surprised to read this on a space news site:

"Images from the landing zone will hopefully be available in about two hours. This is the first successful rocket landing on Mars since 1976."

The first since 1976?

Now this involved parachute, I understand, but I think we should be giving far more attention to the potential for retro-rockets to solve the problems of Mars landings. If we develop LEO refuelling and ten tonne landers, I think there is scope for delivering sufficient fuel to Mars orbit to allow this.

Looking forward to the photos as I am sure we all are...


Let's Go to Mars...Google on: Fast Track to Mars blogspot.com

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#225 2008-05-25 20:46:34

louis
Member
From: UK
Registered: 2008-03-24
Posts: 7,208

Re: Phoenix - North Pole Region Lander (PHX)

First photos up!

http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/phoen … index.html

Nothing very inspiring I'm afraid in terms of landscape, but this mission is all in the science isn't it?


Let's Go to Mars...Google on: Fast Track to Mars blogspot.com

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