January 2004 - Utah-Astronomy - mailman.xmission.com

Sitting still on the surface
by Patrick Wiggins 24 Jan '04

24 Jan '04

They now think the lander is sitting still on the surface and on its side. Apparently the signal has been reacquired (they have not actually said that but their conversation seems to indicate that is the case).

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45 minute intermission
by Patrick Wiggins 24 Jan '04

24 Jan '04

For some reason NASA TV has decided to stop coverage for the next 45 minutes. :-( There is a press briefing set for 11:30 pm MST, commentary at 1:45 am and another briefing at 3:00 am. It's gonna be a long (but fun) night. There is still, btw, a chance of first images in a few hours.

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Stop? Go?
by Patrick Wiggins 24 Jan '04

24 Jan '04

The strong signal is still wavering which they thought meant the craft is rolling but it's been so long since touchdown (20 minutes) that now they are wondering if it's just rocking back and forth or if there is some other explanation. Data from MGS has been received.

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LOS
by Patrick Wiggins 24 Jan '04

24 Jan '04

Loss of signal. They report that is not unexpected as the lander is transmitting with a low power log gain antenna.

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Impact 2 or 3 gs
by Patrick Wiggins 24 Jan '04

24 Jan '04

First impact with surface registered 2 or 3 gs. They are receiving a signal indicating all is well with no faults detected.

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Stilllllll rollinggggggg
by Patrick Wiggins 24 Jan '04

24 Jan '04

Still on the move. Hey, maybe it's in the back of the martian's 4x4. Patrick

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Stop and go
by Patrick Wiggins 24 Jan '04

24 Jan '04

They reported the rolling had stopped but just said it's still going. Rollin', rollin' rollin', keep them airbags rollin' on Mars... (with apologies to Rawhide)

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NASA TV Speed of Light Delay
by Chris Russell 24 Jan '04

24 Jan '04

Just a couple of questions: Are the events being announced on NASA TV the "real" time of events for Opportunity, or the time of events after taking into account the speed of light? Also, what's the speed of light communications delay right now? Thanks to anyone who has the answers...

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Still rolling
by Patrick Wiggins 24 Jan '04

24 Jan '04

Still rolling on the surface. "A slow roller" according to the control room.

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Strong signal
by Patrick Wiggins 24 Jan '04

24 Jan '04

Control room applause. Boss trying to shut them up to hear what's going on.

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