![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIQwWBTTazbyCYX_ZYf2UPx2cm_VvpCLN8UZrAe2bXp0p6NyNZAeL8UP-DSf0vqD4zSrqGi5-9t3RoQUSGeeig92ZabXtERwhfzw5Wg-ekiiinI-KrntRKxhUEVW5EB9pZsobsnx3ZCQQ/s400/phoenix_from_orbit.jpg)
Yesterday one of the orbiters used its telescopic camera to image Phoenix's landing site. They hit paydirt: not only did they find Phoenix itself, but they imaged the parachute/backshell and the heat shield. To my surprise, the heat shield is a little closer to the lander than the parachute/backshell.
The photo at right shows all these details (click to expand).
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Re2mc4fWV2Rc2qKttPJCVV1Q_hMKR-SyLLCZDBeh6lZRv7dpYvqy7C305XIaCgwuVmIJqjOSylh58tLL8cGl385_VX0tafgSxEMJk6nOjBT7Hooy6fJK6_44xoEijLwq0McHQ1-jPOc/s400/phoenix_2008_05_28_map.jpg)
This mapping exercise has direct science benefits itself. It is also a necessary first step to the investigation of the soil and ice – the resulting map will guide the digging arm in its exploits.
Let the science begin!
No comments:
Post a Comment