[AZ-Observing] Mars Phoenix "First Images"
- From: Peter Argenziano <pargenz@xxxxxxx>
- To: SAC Forum <sac-forum@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>, AZ Observing <az-observing@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Fri, 23 May 2008 15:12:21 -0700
Recently, it seems there is some confusion about exactly when the first
images could be received from Mars Phoenix after landing. Following are
excerpts from the Phoenix Landing Events Media Schedule that should
clarify those times and the content of those first images.
The Phoenix Landing Events Media Schedule for first images reads:
/Mars Odyssey "bent-pipe" relay transmission from Phoenix, with
engineering data and* possibly including first images*, 6:43 to 7:02 pm
PT. Data could take up to about 30 additional minutes in pipeline
before being accessible. If all goes well, live television feed from
control room* may* show first images as they are received. *The first
images to be taken after landing will be of solar arrays, to check
deployment status*.
/That means that* *if Phoenix has landed safely, the first pictures of
the spacecraft (in black and white -- no color) relayed by the Odyssey
orbiter to Earth* COULD BE* posted on the Phoenix website* AS SOON AS*
between 7:30 pm and 8 pm PT. Most likely, any photos would be posted
closer to 8 pm PT. Photos of the spacecraft are necessary to check
deployment of the solar arrays and other necessary spacecraft systems.
If the Martian surface is showing in these images, it will be as background.
The Phoenix Media schedule also states:
/If operations proceed relatively smoothly, the first eight to 10 days
after landing will be a "characterization phase" of checking out and
understanding the performance of the spacecraft's power and thermal
systems, as well as the robotic arm and other instruments.
/Daily news briefings to be held at 11 am PT, from Monday, May 26
through Friday May 30, will serve as updates on mission status. During
that time, photos will be posted on the Phoenix website as released.
If you have questions about the Phoenix Landing schedule, please check
the Phoenix Toolkit at:
http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/phoenix/main.php
Information will be updated in real time as events occur.
Peter
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