JPL and the Space Age: Mission to Mars
NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory・2 minutes read
Mars missions faced challenges with landing and testing, including failures and successes in system development, airbag testing, and parachute strength. Despite setbacks, the team perseveres through tight scheduling, structural failures, and unexpected electronic issues to achieve a successful Mars mission launch with the Spirit rover.
Insights
- The use of the Pathfinder lander as a base for the Mars mission was a strategic decision based on its proven success, highlighting the importance of leveraging past achievements and expertise in complex projects.
- The challenges faced during the Mars mission, such as structural failures in parachute testing and unexpected electronic failures during vibration tests, underscore the critical nature of meticulous testing, problem-solving, and adaptability in ensuring mission readiness and success.
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Recent questions
How did the Mars Polar Lander and Mars Climate Orbiter missions impact confidence?
The failures of the Mars Polar Lander and Mars Climate Orbiter missions resulted in a loss of confidence in Mars exploration missions.
What challenges did engineers face in landing on Mars?
Engineers faced the challenge of landing something on Mars within a tight timeframe, leading to complexities and tight deadlines in the project.
Why was the Pathfinder lander chosen as a base for the project?
The decision to use the Pathfinder lander as a base for the project was made due to the confidence in its previous success, serving as a reliable foundation for the mission.
What was the flaw in the concept of "build to print" in the project?
The concept of "build to print" was flawed, resulting in extensive redesigns of the entry, descent, and landing system, highlighting the need for a more flexible approach in design.
How did the team balance scientific and engineering criteria in site selection for landing on Mars?
The team faced uncertainties in terrain analysis while balancing scientific and engineering criteria for site selection, emphasizing the importance of thorough evaluation and decision-making in the process.
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