Labels: text | screenshot OCR: The Mars Global Surveyor mission CURRENT SPACE PROGRAMS In November 1996, the Mars Global Surveyor PERSPECTIVES AND PROJECTS orbiter was launched; it was scheduled to reach its objective in September 1997. Shortly after the launch, NASA reported that one of the probe's solar panels was stuck. If this difficulty can be overcome and after a ten-month voyage, the spacecraft will trigger its main rocket then wait to be captured by Mars's gravitational field and enter Mars orbit. The orbiter will then be in position, 378 kilometers from the surface, and begin a complete analysis of the planet. It will be the first spacecraft to get a "bird's eye view" of the Viking 1 and Viking 2 landers in 19 years. MGDS diagram To carry out its cartographic studies, the Mars Global Surveyor is equipped with a camera, a laser altimeter, an electron reflectometer, and a thermal emission spectrometer. The full surface of the Red Planet will be measured by means of a short burst laser altimeter. Specialists will then be able to model the depth of canyons, the height of mountains, and other features to create the most realistic and detailed set of Mars maps ever. The orbiter's path will be shifted every week for the altimeter ground readings; the complete operation should take about two years. In addition, NASA engineers will use signals emitted by the spacecraft to learn more about the planet's atmosphere and magnetic field. MARS BETAT
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