Despite the unfortunate choice landing Schiaparelli on the surface of Mars and in orbit, still working lambda-founder of Trace Gas Orbiter (TGO) with other interesting research. This week the probe was to conduct the first test observations using three instruments designed to study the atmosphere and to make the first photographs of the planet’s surface.
the Probe is equipped, in particular, high-definition neutron detector FREND (Fine Resolution Epithermal Neutron Detector), which allows you to create maps of Mars, rich in hydrogen and to monitor their changes over time. The detector works for a long time and is currently undergoing calibration. By measuring the detected neutrons will also allow the study of the composition of the surface of Mars, including the presence of water or ice.
the Trace Gas Orbiter is currently in an elliptical orbit around the planet (minimum and maximum distance from the surface 230 and 310 HP), but in the end, after a year wyhamowywania about the atmosphere of the planet to be in a circular orbit at an altitude of 400 km. Full operational readiness was achieved in March 2018. After achieving a circular orbit in 2018. the satellite will proceed to the main part of the mission is to study the chemical composition of the planet’s atmosphere, including the detection of gases in trace amounts. We are talking in particular about metanie, which on Earth is associated closely with the biological activity. These studies will be carried out in various modes by using sunlight scattered in the atmosphere or reflected from its surface. Markus Bauer ESA organization explains that an interesting question that can help solve the mission of the probe, or trace gases, in particular methane, are produced in certain places on the surface of Mars t hat would allow to locate the source of methane on Mars.
Recall that the lander Schiaparelli, which is separated from the probe TGO on October 16, there was a split on the surface of Mars on October 19, as a result of too early abandonment of the parachute and too early starting of the engines braking. As a result, the device fell from a height of about. 3.7 km to the planet’s surface and there was a split. The last messages indicate that a failure has occurred software – sensors indicated a negative height of the lander above the surface of the planet, the result of which was the premature failure of the parachute and enable the engine braking. David Parker of the ESA said that this is only preliminary insights and hypotheses. Full report with analysis of the accident should be ready by early 2017. Because the unit Schiaparelli had become a key test of the planting, the results of the analysis of an accident will, of course, accounted for in another mission ExoMars such lądownikiem, although already equipped in the Mars Ro ver, planned for 2020.
Additional information:
Source: ESA / www.spaceflightinsider.com
illustrations:
an Artistic image of a probe Trace Gas Orbiter (TGO) in orbit around Mars. Source: ESA/ATG medialab
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