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Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Science

Trouble For the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter?

Posted By Jim Nintzel on Wed, Oct 28, 2009 at 7:37 AM

NASA/JPL/University of Arizona

Otto Ross at the morning daily reports that the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, which has the UA's HiRISE camera aboard, is having some computer problems:

The Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter carrying UA's HiRISE camera is entering its ninth week in a precautionary safe-mode, facing its greatest challenge since it launched in 2005.

Engineers are busily working to safeguard the orbiter against an unlikely but potentially fatal scenario that was discovered when the orbiter unexpectedly put itself into safe-mode for the fourth time this year.

"It's very unlikely but (the MRO) is a precious asset for the American people and we take it very seriously to make sure we protect it," said MRO Project Manager Jim Erickson.

Let's hope it's nothing serious. The HiRISE team is one of Tucson's finest assets. Check out some of the new photos from Mars here.

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