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September 7, 2008 7:14:05 PM CDT

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Computer Woes Slow Mars Craft

Posted Jun 19, 08 3:16 PM CDT in Science & Health 

(Newser) – The Phoenix Mars Lander stopped digging yesterday to give its memory a rest after a computer glitch caused the loss of photographs and scientific data, the AP reports. Scientists were alerted to the problem after the lander transmitted a single piece of information 45,000 times. "It's unfortunate to lose any bit of science," one scientist said. "But it's not really critical stuff that you kick yourself over."

Source Associated Press

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Phoenix's Robotic Arm scoop containing a soil sample poised over the partially open door of the Thermal and Evolved-Gas Analyzer's number four cell, or oven.   (AP Photo)
The lander's new trench, called "Snow White," in a patch of Martian soil near the center of a polygonal surface feature nicknamed "Chesire Cat."   (AP Photo)
Two trenches dug by Phoenix's robotic arm are shown on the surface of Mars.   (AP Photo)
The Phoenix Mars Lander uses its Robotic Arm to test a "sprinkle" method for delivering small samples of soil to instruments on the lander deck.   (AP Photo)
A full-scale model of the Phoenix lander.   (AP Photo/Ric Francis)
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NASA  • Mars  • space exploration  • Phoenix Mars Lander  • robotic arm  • computer glitches  • JPL


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