Pathfinder experiments 'back on track'
July 22, 1997
Web posted at: 3:45 p.m. EDT (1945 GMT)
LOS ANGELES (CNN) -- NASA scientists on Tuesday expressed
satisfaction with the latest Pathfinder experiments,
following a series of technical problems with the Mars probe.
They said all systems were working well and that new imaging
and weather data came through clear.
Engineers said they were able to fix the latest communication
problems with Pathfinder after realizing that the breakdown
in radio contact was caused by a software glitch.
New software was radioed up to avert the kind of computer
resets that plagued the mission on three previous occasions.
During Tuesday's news conference, scientists showed pictures
of the rover carrying out so-called soil mechanics. The idea
is to use Sojourner's wheels to churn up the red dust on the
Mars surface as part of soil experiments and tests.
Scientists were particularly keen to find out whether the
dust would impede Sojourner's ability to draw energy from
the sun as the dust repeatedly settles on its solar cells.
Scientists said Sojourner's images of a rock called Yogi
revealed that it has two colors: one part red and the other
half more of a bluish hue. Scientists said they didn't yet
know the reason for the bi-coloration.
Further data sent back by the probe focused on wind
measurements and the density of dust in the Mars atmosphere.
Other data sent back from Mars show that the dust is highly
magnetic, leading scientists to assume that Mars dust is
likely to be markedly different from Earth matter.
Sojourner will next carry on with its soil mechanics in an
area named "Rock Garden," then gather further data in the
nearby "Cabbage Patch" and "Soufflé" areas.
Related stories:
- Rover backs away from Yogi, faces serious test - July 12, 1997
- One 'marvelous' Martian week - July 11, 1997
- Scientists call Martian rock 'a real surprise' - July 8, 1997
- Rover 'holds hands' with Barnacle Bill - July 7, 1997
- Sojourner, meet Barnacle Bill - July 6, 1997
- Tiny Mars rover set to take giant roll for mankind - July 5, 1997
- NASA gets good news on Pathfinder glitch - July 5, 1997
- NASA gets good news on Pathfinder glitch - July 5, 1997
- Communications glitch hampers Mars rover - July 5, 1997
- Mars Pathfinder sends first snapshots - July 4, 1997
- NASA: Pathfinder has landed - July 4, 1997
- Pathfinder speeds toward Martian surface - July 4, 1997
- Pathfinder nears its destiny - July 3, 1997
- Scientists giddy as Pathfinder nears Mars - July 1, 1997
- NASA hope third time's the charm for Mars probe launch - December 3, 1996
- Pathfinder to roam Mars in search of possible life - October 1, 1996
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