The latest
HiRISE image appears to show that a solar panel of the UA's Phoenix Mars Lander has collapsed [
right, dark spot in near center. See the original for a clearer view of the components. Credit, UA HiRISE].
Phoenix landed on Mars on May 25, 2008.
Team members Alfred McEwen and Mike Mellon have analyzed the lighting and shape of the components in some detail. They suggest that a thick layer of carbon dioxide frost accumulation put more weight on the panel than it was designed for, causing it to collapse.
No comments:
Post a Comment