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Projects: Red Rover Goes to MarsThe Astrobot DiariesSandy Moondust and Biff Starling are Exploring Mars!
A new breed of explorer is on board the two Mars Exploration Rover spacecraft—Astrobots Biff Starling and Sandy Moondust are part of The Planetary Society Astrobot Corps. Biff and Sandy are LEGO® minifigure representations suited up for space. They appear on each of the DVDs on the Mars Exploration Rover spacecraft. Their job: tell their stories to the world through a series of entertaining, fun, online communications. The Astrobots are currently so involved with exploring the surface of
Mars (and trying to surf the Mars soil) that they are no longer providing
regular entries. They will have a follow up later in the mission. 07 June 2003 Waiting for launchDude, I’m just hanging out in here the day before launch. These space types sure close everything up early--many days ahead of launch. I know they’re just making sure everything is ready to go, but if I weren’t a robot, I’d be seriously hungry about now for some space snacks. And, by the way, it sure would have been nice if they’d put a window in this thing. First I get sealed up in the petals of the lander, and then they stick everything inside the, uh. . .what’s that thing called. . .the herring (?) of the rocket. It’s darker than the inside of an integrated circuit in here. Anyone know where I put my flashlight? Despite the dark cramped quarters, I am most stoked that launch is fast approaching now. That roller coaster ride is one part of this I am really looking forward to. Of course, I’m sure Sandy digs the cool engineering, the rovers, and the gee-whiz science, but alas, she’ll have to wait a bit longer for her launch on the second rocket. I’m sitting on top of a 40 meter (130 foot) tall Boeing Delta II rocket, and though dark, all seems groovy. What are you finding in mission control?  All things nominalAll things are go for lift off. We wish you a pleasant flight, and Godspeed!  Pay attentionHey substitute fly-boy, pay attention up there. You’re involved in one of the most exciting and technologically advanced space missions in history. Have you forgotten you’re flying with rovers that will act as robotic geologists on Mars. Or, that they can travel as far in one day (about the length of a football field) as the 1997 Mars Pathfinder Sojourner rover traveled in its 90 day mission. There have only been three successful landers on Mars: Vikings 1 and 2 and Pathfinder. Did you know that the surface area of Mars is about the same as the land surface area on Earth, in other words Earth without the oceans? Imagine only seeing three places on planet Earth and trying to figure out the planet’s history. That’s where we are with Mars Exploration. The MER missions are our bridge to future Mars understanding. And, you got lucky enough to be on MER-A, launch number one. By the way, Mr. Vocabulary, a herring is a fish, in which I assume you are not sealed up. A fairing is the top part of a rocket that encloses the payload, in this case you, the rover, and the rest of the spacecraft. Okie DokieOK, miniature Mars goddess, your points make sense. Maybe being trapped inside this sardine can will be worth it after all. We’ll see. 09 June 2003 Launch scrubThe launch is scrubbed for today due to unstable weather conditions. Unstable scrubbingI'm glad the launch is going to be clean, but what has that got to do with weather conditions? Launch scrubsBiff, the launch being scrubbed doesn't mean it is going to get clean, rather it means that there will be no launch for today. The reason is unstable weather, in particular concern about thunder storms around the time of launch. You might try to brush up on launch vocabulary during your additional 24-hour wait. Re: Launch scrubsOh. So, we're going to let a little rain stop us? Re: Launch scrubsIt's not actually the rain that is a problem, it is concerns about things like lightning, clouds, and particularly wind. Re: Launch scrubsOooh. Righteous. Launch scrub Day 2Biff, we are scrubbing today's launch. Weather report once again predicts unstable weather conditions, as it did yesterday. We'll try again tomorrow. Re: Launch scrub Day 2Bummer. On the bright side, another day of video games for me. What were those huge noises outside the rocket yesterday afternoon? ThunderThose were the thunderstorms, you know, the things we predicted. That unstable weather that we interrupted your video games with yesterday and now again today. Biff, are you paying any attention up there? I highly recommend reviewing your mission manuals instead of playing video games. InstabilityDudette, the weather may not be the only thing that is unstable around here. Hey, how long can we keep delaying this thing? And, when do I get to Mars? Your scheduleLaunch can occur each day for about another ten days and still make the launch period required to get you off to Mars. As you know, I hope, there are two one-second launch windows each day. No matter what day you launch, you'll get to Mars on January 4, 2004. Streak-free?Are we scrubbing these windows so we can get them really clean? Windows and launch periodsArrrrgh! Not that kind of window. A launch window is the time in which you can launch on a given day. For a planetary trajectory like this one, sending you off to Mars, the windows are very short, essentially instantaneous. The launch period is how many days in which you can launch and still make it to Mars. There are ten days remaining in your launch period. Rest your computer brain, you may need it tomorrow. 10 June 2003Go for launchBiff Starling, you are go for launch. We have resumed counting down from T - 4 minutes. Less than 4 minutes until you become the first Astrobot in space. Waiting for launchI'm am seriously way totally excited. Did you say there will be tea in 4 minutes? Won't that be messy? Hey Sandy, anything I should know about this Boeing Delta II rocket? Delta IIThere are many things you should know. Each Delta II launch vehicle consists of three main stages (two liquid stages and one solid stage), nine strap-on graphite-epoxy solid rocket motors (GEMs), and a payload fairing...remember, fairing, not herring. The first stage of the Delta II uses a Rocketdyne RS-27A engine with a 12:1 expansion ratio, and is of course a single start, liquid bipropellant rocket that will provide nearly 890,000 Newtons of thrust at the time of lift-off. Re: Delta IIHuh?!?!? As much as I love it when you talk that way, what exactly does that mean, especially for me? And, did you mention Fig Newtons? Tiny WordsI'll try small words: you are on a big rocket. Hold on tight. Get ready for the ride of your life, surfer boy, in 5...4...3... TubularHey, I understand big words, like tubular....Whoooooaaaaaaa! Aaaaaaaaaah! Silence for days and now the biggest roar I've ever heard in my life. Wow, feeling the launch, feeling more squished than usual. Kind of makes me glad to be screwed down at the moment. Yikes, slowed up for a moment there. Aaaaaahhhhhh, here we go again, feeling squished, and not in a good way. Re: TubularWhat you probably felt was the first set of six Graphite Epoxy Motors cutting off--you know, the strap-on rockets on the outside of the main rocket, in other words, the smaller tubular things on the outside of the really BIG tubular thing. Squished againBut what was that getting squished again feeling? Re: Squished againThat was the other 3 strap-on solid motors lighting and pushing you farther, along with the main engine, of course. Big stuffOf course. Whoa, stuff is happening again, feel like I'm slowing. Now, something very big and very significant happened. Just don't know what. Here we go again, thrusting upwards. Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhh... 11 June 2003From yesterday's installment... Big stuffWhoa, stuff is happening again, feel like I'm slowing. Now, something very big and very significant happened. Just don't know what. Here we go again, thrusting upwards. Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa-ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh... IlliteracyDidn't you read any manuals? Those 13 seconds or so of "stuff happening" was main engine cut off (MECO), in other words the first stage stopped "burning." Then, since it wasn't needed anymore, it dropped off, and then the second stage lit. You are now about four and a half minutes into your flight and already about 70 miles up with the second stage going strong. Staging a 'coonYes, I read the manuals. And, I watched movies, too. I remember MECO, he was that cute raccoon. And, this staging thing is kind of cool, get rid of the used up stuff so I can go faster. I like going faster! Is it getting drafty in here? No fairRight after the second stage lit, the fairing, the wrapping around you, the spacecraft, and the third stage, was dropped off too since you're so high up now, you don't need the protection of a nose cone. Spacin'Hey I'm getting the hang of this stuff. Almost 10 minutes into flight, and the second stage stopped burning. Hey why didn't it drop off? Oh, well. And, weren't there more than two stages? Guess not. I'm in space. Yaaaaaaaay! Wow, I think it is about time to unscrew myself and test out some weightlessness. ConfusionUh, Biff, you've got a few things confused, you might want to pay attention, or it could give you more challenges than you ever want... You might want to hold on. The second stage didn't drop off because it is going to restart in about 15 minutes. You're just cruising around the Earth temporarily waiting until you're in the right position to head out of orbit and towards Mars. You'll be over the west coast of Africa then. Pin and spinYowsh! Wish I'd read you email instead of finishing up my game of Space Invaders on the spacecraft computer. But, high score waits for noone. I had just unscrewed myself when the rocket fired. I ended up pinned to the inside of the spacecraft for about two minutes while the rocket fired. It seemed like a lot longer. Once the rocket stopped, things smoothed out and the forces subsided and I could truly float about in the space around the rover. Yowsa! Things are getting really, really spinny. Can mini-robots get motion sickness? There went the second stage, and the third stage has kicked in. But, what is going on with this spinning? Spin stabilizationSpinning is how the third stage is kept on track. It stabilizes things. Football, tops, and yo-yo'sOoooh, like throwing a football with a nice, tight spiral. Or a fast spinning top. Is this thing going to slow down this spin? Why do I have an urge to use a yo-yo? Oooh, I think the spin is slowing down. Conservation of angular momentumApparently names of toys from the manuals stuck in your head. The so-called yo-yo uses weights to slow you down by extending them out on long wire-like devices. Same effect as when an ice skater in a spin pushes her arms out and slows down. We call it conservation of angular momentum. No tummy achesI call it conservation of my internal magnets. Spinning in breaking waves--very cool. Spinning fast in this thing--kind of hurly. CongratulationsCongratulations, you are on your way to Mars, spinning only slightly. Be careful up there, and try reading some online manuals. 16 June 2003Spacecraft doing greatBiff, it has been 6 days since launch, and the spacecraft is doing great. All systems are working perfectly. The launch put you right where we want you -- on your way to Mars. Re: Spacecraft doing greatMost righteous, Earthly dude. I still haven’t gotten over that launch experience. That was incredible! Can I do it again? Your status? Hi Biff,No, you can’t launch again, but I look forward to experiencing it myself in a few days. In fact, I have to go shortly to start the process of getting back to the spacecraft and ready for launch. How are things going up there? Sandy Soaring and ScoringThings are going quite well. I have gotten high score on a couple more games, and even took a glance at some of those manuals you keep talking about. I’m thinking of stepping out for a bit of a view, but looks like that is going to be rather tricky. Be careful!Biff, you be careful if you start moving around up there. Remember what happened during launch when you unbolted too soon and got pinned to the side of the spacecraft during the rocket firing. No worriesNo worries, mate. Worries, mateMaybe not for you, but don’t forget the rest of us. Exploring the spacecraftI think I’ve figured a way to use my ability to be extremely flat to
slip through some crevices and do some exploring. I’ll check back with
my remote communication device. Slow goin’ Airbags!OK, I’ve had a few delays. I’ve made it out of the pyramid shaped thing that my DVD is attached to, and that holds the lander. But, now I’ve run into piles of some kind of tough canvas like stuff. What’s up with that? AirbagsThose would be the airbags on the outside of the tetrahedral lander (the pyramid shaped thing). They are deflated now. They will inflate as you near the Martian surface and cushion your landing. Baggin’ itAirbags like in a car? How cool is that? I didn’t get to that part of the mission, yet, in my reading. One thing at a time. Re: Baggin’ itYes, the airbags are similar to the ones used in cars, but these are much tougher. These airbags are made from Vectran, a very tough and abrasion-resistant polymer fabric, kind of like Kevlar. In the canCool tunes. But, tough to crawl through. I finally made it out, and I’m still inside some kinda can. AeroshellThat "can" is the aeroshell, the thing that protects you and the spacecraft when you enter the atmosphere of Mars while going really fast. Spacin’Alright, we’ll have to go through all this stuff again later. Right now, I’ve moved out of that and…Wow! Stars, space. Wow. Hold on!Keep looking around. And for goodness sakes, hold on! You should have tied yourself to something before trying this trick. What a viewRoger, that. Grabbing tight. Whooaaaa! Gnarly! It’s the Earth. I see the Earth. It is most stunning! Blue and white, and such a contrast to the blackness of space. And, already so far away. Can’t see my friends the waves, but that is a lot of ocean on our ball o’ fun. And, there is the Moon. I’m outside the orbit of the Moon already. Yowsh! Words cannot do this view justice. Sandy, you are going to seriously dig this! Re: What a viewYou are moving away fast Biff. You are now 1.7 million kilometers from Earth, which is already more than 4 times farther from the Earth than the Moon is. And, you’ve done that in only six days. Undoubtedly, I will “seriously dig” the view, and I believe that your words can’t do it justice. Sounds nice. I look forward to it. Bodaciously awesome!Nice? Nice?! What are you, some kind of robot? Oh, yeah, you are. Still, saying this view is nice is like saying 30 foot surf on the north shore of Oahu is only sorta rad. We’re talking bodaciously awesome here! 20 June 2003Spacecraft doing well.Spacecraft systems are all functioning well. Only 10 days after launch, you are now over 2.6 million kilometers (1.6 million miles) from Earth. Dash Far Out!Far out! And getting farther. Strap inBiff, you better go bolt yourself back to the DVD assembly, TCM-1 is coming up shortly, and we don't want you pinned against a wall again. Sandy Old moviesTCM? Is that some kind of old movies channel? Trajectory Correction ManeuverNo, Biff, Trajectory Correction Maneuver. The rockets are going to fire to target the spacecraft towards Mars. This will be done 5 or 6 times during your voyage. This will be the first. Fire awayCool, more rocket firing. Alright, heading to the DVD assembly. SEVERAL MINUTES LATER… Squishy againWhoa! There goes the rocket, I've got that squishy feeling again. On axis burnHang in there, the thrusters are going to burn for 28 minutes pushing you along the axis of rotation, in other words accelerating you along the direction you are already going. Burnin'OK, squishing back and enjoying the ride. 28 MINUTES LATER… Fun and floatingAlright, that was fun, not as fun as launch, but fun. I'm unbolting and going to floating. Hold onBiff, don't, there's more to come... Pushed and pinnedAaaaah! What is going on here? Lots of little pushes and every time I'm getting pinned up against something in here. Ow. Off axis burnsThere will be a total of 264 of those. These are the burns to change spacecraft velocity in a direction other than the one your going, in other words moving you "sideways" relative to the direction you're going. Since you're in a spinning spacecraft, the little thrusts are timed to the spin rate. The total burn will be equivalent to a 22 minute burn but will take much longer because of the pulsed nature. Ow264 of these!?! Ow. Ow. Hit another wheel. And, another. Hey how many wheels are there in here? SixSix, Biff. It is a six wheeled rover. HubcapsAre those NASA hubcaps I see? Ow. Yes, they are. Ow. TCM overOK, Biff, you've made it. And, you made it through an attitude turn that faced the solar panels back towards the Sun, and the antenna towards Earth. DoneI've had a bit of an attitude turn as well. But, hey, I've seen more of the rover, and up close and personal. Target MarsYou are now targeted between the landing sites, Meridiani Planum and Gusev Crater. Indecision?I thought I was going to Gusev. Couldn't people make up their minds? Landing site tarNominally, you are going to Gusev and I'm going to Merdiani. But, Merdiani (my landing site!) is the scientists' favorite. By targeting between the two, your spacecraft could still be sent to Meridiani if there is any problem with my spacecraft at or shortly after launch. Assuming there isn't, I hope, then your next Trajectory Correction Maneuvers will target you to Gusev. OhOh. Hmmm. Oh. OK. Roger that. 24 June 2003Spacecraft hunky dorySpacecraft systems are all hunky dory. It's 2 weeks since your launch. Dot Great viewFabuloso! I've been spending a lot of time sticking my head out the spacecraft and watching the Earth and Moon get smaller. Way totally profound. Even cooler because of the slow spacecraft spin that causes them to rise and set as seen from my "pokin' out place" on the side. Your status?Hi Biff, You are being careful aren't you? Sandy Re: Your status?Always! I borrowed an electrical wire to strap myself to when I venture to the outside and look out. Don't worry, I know where it came from. Be careful!Ack. You need a safety system, but don't go pulling random wires. WiringWasn't random, I grabbed the red one. Actually, I checked one of the wiring diagrams, and found one I don't think we'll need for a while. LiteracyYou can read a wiring diagram? For that matter, you can read? The power of Leisure BotsLighten up, rocket bot. I picked up some electrical knowledge when I was learning to fix any video game system in existence. All part of Leisure Bot training. Leisure bot trainingI must say, I doubted that your extensive leisure bot training would be of any use on the mission. ¿Donde está?Hey, recreation knowledge is useful anywhere. By the way Sandy, where are you? Aren't you supposed to launch soon? BiggerI'm onboard the spacecraft on top of the Delta II Heavy, you know the BIGGER version of the Delta II with the bigger solid rocket motors on the outside. Anyway, they have slipped the launch at least 3 days in order to replace some cork. Dartboards, bats, and walls, oh myCork?? I don't care how big it is, what are you riding on, a dartboard? Sammy Sosa's bat? A wall from the 1970s? Cork insulationI'm on a Boeing Delta II 7925H. Cork is used as an insulating material on the outside of the 1st stage, the "big round tube" to put it in your language. The cork protects the solid rocket boosters strapped on the outside. Some of the cork needs to be replaced. Poppin' the corkDid they have any trouble popping the cork off? Done with youNo. I need to return to my manuals now. Giddy with excitementOh, me too! I can hardly wait. 28 June 2003Mobile Service Tower moved backHi Sandy, with only a few hours until launch, all systems are go. The Mobile Service Tower has successfully moved away from the rocket in preparation for your launch. How are things on top of the rocket? Dash All systems goDash, All systems are go from where I sit, strapped to the DVD high atop the Delta II Heavy. I look forward to launch and to heading to Mars with the 4 million Mars enthusiasts names on board the DVD. What is the weather prediction? Sandy 50-50Lots of clouds and rain. It should break up by launch time, but there is still about a 50% chance that some weather condition such as winds or clouds will keep you from launching tonight. Launch delaysWell, that is the nature of the launch business. I'll hope for tonight, but if not, we'll try again tomorrow night. Hang in DudetteHi Sandy, Hang in there Dudette. I played the delay game as you remember. The longer you wait, the farther behind me you will be. Bummer for you. From space, Biff Landing datesActually, Biff, no matter what day I launch, I will land the same day, January 25, 2004, just as your spacecraft landing date (January 4, 2004) was not dependent upon your exact launch date. It is all made up for during the cruise to Mars. Launch tipsOh. Hmm. Dudette, a couple tips for your launch: Don't unbolt too early, lots of stuff keeps happening for awhile, and there are a lot of things crammed in here to bump into. And, hold your arms over your head just after the first set of boosters cuts off, makes the ride more intense. Re: Launch tipsI am well versed in the exact launch sequence and proper safety procedures, but thanks for your apparent concern. Arms over my head seems an unnecessary action, especially since my ride will be more intense than yours, thanks to my bigger graphite epoxy motors (the "little" tubes outside the really big tube). RelaxRelax, tension bot. Enjoy your "big" ride. FocusedI'm not tense, just focused. Re: FocusedWhatever you say, Moondust. Possible problemDash, we may have a problem. Sandy Re: Possible problemSandy, We are showing all systems nominal. What is the nature of the problem? Dash IronI may have left my iron on. I can't remember. Can someone go check that? I was flattening myself for flight, and, well, could you just have someone check. Re: IronRoger that. Will do. Glad you're relaxed. Try going through your checklists again... 07 July 2003Skipping first launch windowSandy, We're having to skip the first launch window and recycle for the second because of a fishing boat in a location that doesn't work with the current winds. Next windowJill, Roger that. Recycling to second launch window. Sandy Boat?Hi Sandy, First cork problems, now fishing boats, what's next? And, why is a boat standing in your way? Biff Launch safetyVarious areas have to be cleared for launch and since I launch over the ocean, that includes some ocean areas. They need to be clear in case something goes wrong and debris falls, and they need to be clear depending on wind because of toxic gases that the rockets put out that would be dangerous for people to breathe. Second window looks goodSandy, Things look good for the second launch window. SEVERAL MINUTES LATER… Launch scrubSandy, High altitude wind shear is making launch a no-go. Sorry, no launch tonight. Re: Launch scrubRoger that. We'll hope for the next try. SEVERAL DAYS LATER… Battery launch delaySandy, I know you've been sitting there many days since the last opportunity while we replaced some of the cork insulation...again, but we have another problem. There is a problem with a battery that is part of the flight termination system, so we'll have another delay while it is fixed. Jill Landing datesRoger that, I'll just keep reading great Mars information I've found online and I'll keep learning more about the end of my trip while I wait for the beginning. I'll be backWow, you are one seriously unlucky bot. And what's up with having a flight termination system, that sounds scary? Is the Terminator involved? Launch safetyFirst of all, Biff, we're both lucky to be on this mission, and the delays are all to make sure that launch goes as planned. The flight termination system enables controllers to destroy the rocket if it starts going off course. It is a way to safeguard people on the ground in the unlikely event of a problem with the rocket. Whoa.Whoa, wait a second, there wasn't one of those on my rocket was there? Noone mentioned that. YesOf course there was, Biff. Yikes!Yikes. Then what happens to our intrepid astrobot explorer if that happens? Plan AlphaEmergency abort plan Alpha. Greek to meOhhh. Wellllll, that makes me feel much better. As long as there is a greek letter involved. MONDAY, JULY 7, 2003… All systems goSandy, We are showing all systems go for launch tonight. Dash Re: All systems goExcellent. Here's hoping. CountdownWe have, as planned, restarted the countdown at T-4 minutes and counting... All sytems are go... 10, 9, 8... 07 July 2003FROM OUR LAST INSTALLMENT: CountdownWe have, as planned, restarted the countdown at T-4 minutes and counting... 30 seconds, all sytems are go... 10, 9, 8... NOW, ON TO THIS INSTALLMENT: No goNo go, we have a no go, recycling for the next launch window. You can try to relax for another 40 minutes or so. One of the fuel valves showed a possible problem. We're working to determine more and whether we will try to launch in the second window. That was kind of exciting. CloseJack, Roger. That sure got close. Keep me posted. Sandy Double pain windowsHi Sandy, Well, I see your good luck on launching continues to hold. How is it that you've got two one-second launch windows each night (which, by the way, I keep wanting to clean). Biff Launch windowsTo head off to Mars using a direct launch, one has to time things just right, go in just the right direction, and get to the right speed. But, one can get a little flexibility by launching in slightly different directions at different times with different performance. The rocket would actually launch in a slightly different direction (azimuth) for the second launch window of the night. That corrects for launching at different times. Both launch windows get me where I need to be to head to Mars. Satisfied with valveSandy, We have tested the valve and are satisfied with its performance. We are picking up from the built in hold at T-4 minutes. Liftoff!3, 2, 1 ... Liftoff of Mars Exploration Rover B including the Opportunity rover and Astrobot Sandy Moondust. Godspeed, Sandy Moondust. GollyAccelerations are as expected from the first six solid rocket boosters and the liquid fueled first stage. Golly, gosh, goodness, this is a bit exciting. And, rather loud. Catch a ride!Dudette, Catch a ride. Enjoy! Party on! BoostersBiff, Thanks for your typically eloquent words of wisdom. Feeling first set solid rocket booster burnout and separation. There's another kick, must be the 3 air lit solid rocket boosters starting up. Shaka brah!Shaka brah, righteous, throw your hands up, feel the groove. NoiseBiff, unless you suddenly have some practical advice, please stop creating additional noise in my headset, the launch is loud enough already. Air lit boosters have separated. And, we have first stage separation. Second stage is lit... Second stage has stopped. Don't unboltSorry, Sandy, didn't mean to interrupt your sedation. Practical advice: don't unbolt, that second stage is going to start up again when you're in the right place around Earth. Rocket botI am well aware of that, but thanks for your concern. Waiting a few minutes to reach the appropriate location in Earth orbit to start burn for Mars. Second stage burning again. Second stage separation. Third stage burning...and stopped. I'm on my way to Mars. Welcome!Dudette, welcome to space and to your Martian voyage. On to MarsFor that, I thank you Biff Starling. I am honored and excited to be here. On to Mars! Party on to Mars!Party on to Mars! Now, the party isn't as lonely. 15 July 2003All systems healthyHi Sandy, Everything is functioning perfectly with your spacecraft. Eight days into your mission you are over 2.4 million kilometers from Earth or about 6 times the distance from the Earth to the Moon. Jill Star scannerGlad to hear it! I've run through all checklists multiple times and checked system health on my end as well. Looks good. The star scanner has successfully found several bright stars as well as Mars so we can track spacecraft orientation. Check the viewHi Sandy, You might want to pull your nose out of your checklists and go out to check out the view. As I mentioned before, it is bodaciously awesome. And, trust me, the Earth and Moon get smaller in a hurry, so enjoy while you can. Biff Going mobileThanks for the "bodaciously awesome" advice, Biff. You may have a point. I'm am switching to my mobile communication device and beginning the process of moving towards the outside of spacecraft. The joy of two dimensionsStay flat. They seal this puppy up tight, making it tricky to move through it. Working way out.Roger that. I've made it past the rover, out of the tetrahedral rover enclosure, and past the airbags. Am attempting to find a way through aeroshell. Share the viewSo, dudette, when you make it out, is it as I described, bodaciously awesome? Stunning!Have made it to the outside. Stunning! Sizes of Earth and Moon are as expected. The Earth is already a little smaller than the full Moon appears as seen from Earth. The one part of your description you got right, Biff, was awe, the view is awe inspiring. Earth: The unique cradle from which we came, suspended in the serene blackness of space, an oasis in an empty universe. RightYeah, that's what I meant. Re: RightI'm sure it is. PoetryThe Earth and Moon are looking a lot smaller for me these days, being that I'm way ahead of you and all. Still looks totally cool. All cradle like and stuff, just smaller, like for a smaller baby. Kinda weird watching it shrink over time. You know I've written a poem about the view? Martian HaikuAre you serious? I had no idea you did poetry. So do I, I can hardly wait to work on Martian Haiku during the mission. My poemYeah, well, I'm serious, but mine is just a poem: The Earth spins, The Moon spins, My spacecraft spins, Whoa, I'm dizzy. Huh?Uhh, that was your poem? DuhDuh, what did you think it was, an instruction manual? Loved it!Hey Biff-guy, I loved it! Jill 22 July 2003TCM-1Sandy, We'll begin your first trajectory correction maneuver (TCM-1) in 2 minutes. Jack Go for TCM-1Jack, We are go for TCM-1 on my end. Sandy Rocket firingsHi Sandy, Have fun dudette, I enjoy the rocket firings, except for the bouncing around part. Biff ManualsWell, if you stayed strapped in during the appropriate times, that wouldn't be a problem. Try reading a manual occasionally if you want to know what is happening next. Off the markYou know, I actually skimmed some things. I dug that I'm on the path to Mars, but you aren't. Keeping cleanWell, you are technically correct. But, TCM-1 will fix that. When the spacecraft leaves Earth, it is targeted to miss Mars because the third stage of the Delta II rocket is on a similar path. NASA takes special measures to ensure that anything going to Mars is properly clean. The spacecraft is clean by design, but the rocket's third stage doesn't need to be, since it will not be on a trajectory to the Red Planet. HygieneThings need to be clean? Sounds like a problem for me. How clean do I need to be? Are there some type of crazed hygiene rules on Mars? CleanlinessClean in the sense of having very little life on board the spacecraft, so even you are "clean" enough thanks to the engineers. You got baked in an oven before the spacecraft launched to kill the microbes. We're looking for life on Mars. We wouldn't want to conduct future experiments that would detect life, only to find out later that it isn't Martian life, but rather Earth life that we brought along with us. What is lifeI wondered what the deal was with the hot sauna. I thought it was just supposed to relax me. I suppose our kind of "life" doesn't matter to the scientists. RobotsTechnically we are robots. It's aliveRobots with personalities who write poetry. LooseUsing the terms very loosely. And, we're not going to complicate the search for past or present life on Mars HaikuSpeaking of poetry, I rewrote my poem as as a Haiku to make you happy. The Earth and Moon spin, UhBiff, you never cease to, uh, amaze me. The "spin spin" was my favorite part. Clever solution to getting 7 syllables. TCM-1 startSandy, TCM-1 starting in 10 seconds. On to MarsTCM main burn starting. I'm feeling the acceleration along current axis of rotation. Welcome!Oh, I remember when I did this. Stay strapped in, dig the squishy feeling. On to MarsAs always Biff, thanks for the helpful thoughts. Burn progressing nominally ... APPROXIMATELY 54 MINUTES LATER... TCM-1Main burn has ended. Your velocity has increased by 16 meters per second (36 miles per hour). You are on course for Mars and Merdiani Planum with landing on January 25, 2003, Universal Time. On to MarsRoger, sounds great! Welcome!Welcome to the path to Mars. Party on! 29 July 2003Picture of the home planetImage of the Earth and Moon taken by the Mars Express spacecraft July 3, 2003. Source: ESA Hi Biff and Sandy, We're uploading a picture of the Earth and the Moon taken by the Mars Express spacecraft. Thought you might be interested. This was taken when Mars Express was about as far away from Earth as you now are, Sandy, about 8 million kilometers. Look familiar? Jill Re: Picture of the Home PlanetIt sure does look familiar. Beautiful sight, isn't it? Unfortunately, the picture can't convey completely the stark beauty of the view; no picture could. But, it does give you the idea. Kudos to Mars Express and their camera team for such a nice image. Picture of the home planetHey Biff-guy, What do you think? Jill RocksHey Dotette, The view of planetary rocks does seriously rock. And, the picture gives you some idea how cool the view is. The Earth and Moon keep getting smaller for the Biff-guy. So, I seem to be a bit behind again. What's up with this Mars Express thing? Mars ExpressHey Biff, Now you're embarrassing me. Mars Express is a mission to Mars being flown by the European Space Agency (ESA). It includes an orbiter with a wonderful group of instruments to study the surface, atmosphere, and sub-surface of the planet. It also includes the Beagle 2 lander, which is scheduled to land on Mars about 10 days ahead of you. Beating me to Mars?Whoa! So, what you're saying is not only will there be this totally gnarly orbiter, but also a lander and they are both going to beat me to Mars? Biff-o-centricYes, you could translate it that way in your Biff-o-centric world ShockingThis is most shocking. And, please don't call me Biff-o! Mars Express awarenessHey Biff-o, How could you not be aware of Mars Express? This is a big mission that has been planned for years. Many month deliveryWell, sure, I remember hearing and reading something about a "Mars Express," but I thought it was just some kind of overnight delivery service. Turns out it isn't exactly overnight, and sounds like it may have a few other services to offer. YesYes, you could say that. Anyone else?Anything else out here flying around that I should know about? NozomiYes! Nozomi is a Japanese spacecraft headed to Mars to study its upper atmosphere. It actually launched in 1998, but it didn't have enough speed initially to get to Mars. So, they cleverly flew by Earth twice to pick up more speed (called a gravity assist) and are now on their way to Mars with the rest of us. Mars travelWow, Mars is a popular travel destination this year. Must be the barren landscape, lack of oxygen, and freezing temperatures. Spacecraft to MarsMars is scientifically fascinating, and Earth and Mars are particularly close, so it is a great time to send spacecraft. Others?Well, I don't feel so lonely. Any other friends I should know about. MGS and OdysseyYou should already know about the two working U.S. orbiters at Mars: Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) and Mars Odyssey. MGS has been there since 1997 and Odyssey since 2001. Both have and continue to revolutionize our understanding of the Red Planet. Party on!Wow, party on at Mars! Most righteous. Learn moreBiff, please learn more about what the world is doing with Mars. Try this web site that discusses all seven spacecraft. Happy trailsRoger that pedantic dudette. And happy trails to all those other spacecraft! 14 August 2003Mars and youHey Biff-dog, I saw Mars tonight and thought of you. Mars is beautiful! It is really, really bright and orangish-red. Take care, Jill Seriously brightHey Dotette, Mars is seriously bright for me, too, but I thought that was just because I'm headed there. For me, it is the brightest thing besides the Earth, Moon, and Sun right now. The Biffster Perihelic OppositionHey Guys, Couldn't help but notice you were discussing Mars' upcoming perihelic opposition. Peri-heelsWhoa! For the record, I am not opposed to peri-heels, or any other kind of shoeware, or was that a mythological reference? Opposition and perihelionIt was a reference to where the planets are relative to one another. Mars opposition occurs when Mars is on the opposite side of Earth from the Sun. Mars' perihelion occurs when Mars is at the closest point in its orbit to the Sun. Perihelic opposition occurs when the two happen together or nearly together. Huh?You're causing me to once again ask some of my favorite questions: HUH? and of course: SO? and the ever popular: DID THAT HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH WHAT WE WERE DISCUSSING? RelevanceWell, yes, of course it did. You were discussing how bright Mars appears. The reason it appears so bright on Earth is because we are approaching perihelic opposition. Same deal for us, but we're also somewhat closer to Mars and don't have the atmosphere in our way. BrightnessAlright, so that's why Mars appears so bright, but why do you appear so bright? DimnessGood engineering. How'd you get so dim? SnugglingI'm not dim, I'm just written that way. So, how often does this snuggling up to Mars thing happen, oh giver of enlightenment? Closest in 60 KThe amazing thing is on August 27, 2003, at the time of closest approach of Earth to Mars, Earth will be closer to Mars than it has been in almost 60,000 years!! The closest in the history of the human species. Yaga!Yaga! That's a big stare at the waves and say whoa kinda thought. And, we're the closest to Mars in the history of the Astrobot line of robotics. Ellipses and spacecraftYes, I suppose we are, but that is a somewhat shorter history. Anyway, Mars opposition occurs every 26 months. But, Mars' orbit is very elliptical, in other words non-circular. Earth's orbit is to a lesser extent. So, during some oppositions Earth ends up much closer to Mars than in other oppositions. These make great times to observe Mars and great times to send spacecraft to Mars since it doesn't take as much energy to get there. How much closer?How much closer will Dot and Dash and the other Earth-bound beings be this time around? Distance variationThe closest approach distance of Earth and Mars can vary between about 35 million miles, as it is this time around, to nearly 65 million miles, a big difference. Most are somewhere in between, for example in 2001 and next in 2005, Mars will be about 43 million miles away at closest approach. How do we observe?Hey Miss Sandy, How can those of us on Earth take advantage of this opportunity? Jill Look upThe easiest thing is do just what you've already done: go out and see it. Mars will rise around sunset and set around sunrise for the next month or so. You'll see it in the East in the early evening, closer to overhead in the middle of the night, and in the West in the pre-dawn hours. Mars is the brightest object in the night sky besides the Moon right now, and looks like a very bright reddish-orange star. TotallyWay totally bright! Learn more Right.As I was saying, you can also see the south polar cap, and bright and dark markings through even a relatively small telescope. A lot of places are having star parties, lectures, and opportunities to use telescopes around the world on Earth. You can learn about some of these through Mars Watch 2003. At that web site, you can also learn more about how to view Mars and about Mars itself. GET OUT THERE!Tubular! Most Righteous Dudes and Dudettes of Earth, go out and look at Mars, and think of us hurling through space. 27 August 2003Happy Mars DayHey, Happy Mars Day everyone! I've been waiting for this since last time when the Sandster told us about Mars being closer to Earth than it has been in almost 60,000 years. And now, the moment is here. Mars Day has arrived. Hey, what did you get me? What?What do you mean what did we get you? Gifts?Well, it is Mars Day, we're on our way to Mars, I just assumed gifts were in order. SorryHey Biff-dog, Sorry, I didn't know. I'll try and find you something. Take care, Jill Materialistic rompBiff, Now look what you've done, taken Mars Day, something designed to get people excited and looking up at Mars and you've tried to turn it into a materialistic romp in the virtual mall. How's the viewSounds like you didn't get any presents either. Hey Jill, how's the view? It's great up here, but then I'm way closer to Mars than you are. Mars beautifulMars is beautiful, still reminding me of you! There are Mars Parties and lectures all around the world, many of them part of Mars Watch 2003. They're going to keep going for awhile since Mars will stay very bright in the night sky for the next month or two. Party on!Party on righteous Earthlings! Where you areHi Sandy and Biff, We are indeed greatly enjoying our view of Mars these days. Your view must be great, although you don't have access to the variety of telescopes we do. But, you're closer. Specifically here is some tracking information on you. Biff, you're about 33 million kilometers from Mars. Sandy, you're about 36, and we on Earth are about 56 at the time of this amazing close approach. Mars BrighterThanks Jack. Mars is growing brighter and brighter for us. PresentsHi again Biff, I took a minute to get you a couple presents. It's hard to send objects to you, so I got you a picture and a haiku. FastWow, you're fast. Do you carry a camera while thinking in haiku? PresentsNASA's Hubble Space Telescope took this close-up of Mars when it was just 34,648,840 miles (55,760,220 km) away. The picture was taken 11 hours before the planet made its closest approach to Earth in 60,000 years. Credit: NASA, J. Bell (Cornell U.) and M. Wolff (Space Science Inst.) As to haiku, since you started writing them, I've become rather intrigued with them. Here is the one I just thought up: Mars at its closest YowsaYowsa, that's beautiful. Mars is pretty, too. My museIt helps to have a good Muse. AmusedI like to be amused. And, you've inspired me to return to poetry. Do some workOh joy, what a treat. Shouldn't you read manuals? Or check spacecraft health? Haiku rocksManuals are good, Stop!Acckk. Stop with the bad haiku. Big Happy Mars DayBig Happy Mars Day, 12 September 2003TV?Hi, This is a long cruise to Mars, don't we have some antenna on here that will allow us to pick up some TV stations? Yes and NoBiff, Yes you have antennas, no you can't pick up TV stations. What's up with that?Totally bogus! What's up with that? Spacecraft communicationThe antennas on the spacecraft allow us to communicate with Jack and Jill, and the spacecraft to communicate with controllers on Earth. Three's CompanyI still think it would be better if we could pick up re-runs of Three's Company. So, all these things do is allow us to talk to Earth, not that I think that isn't important. High tech comm"All they allow us to do"?!? Do you realize we are communicating over tens of millions of kilometers of space. This is not something you do with a couple of cans and some string. Snarf Snarf.Yeah, I guess that is kinda impressive. But, you keep saying antennas, why do we have more than one? LGA and MGAWe have two on our cruise stage on the cruise ring: the Low Gain Antenna (LGA) and Medium Gain Antenna (MGA). The LGA transmits over a wider area, whereas the MGA focuses the radio beam some. Light bulbsKind of like a regular light bulb as opposed to a spot light. The antennasStrangely, you're right. The spacecraft used the LGA when we were near Earth and uses the MGA when we are farther away. The cruise ring, which is the "back" of our spacecraft, always faces approximately towards the sun because our solar panels are back there. Both antennas are also back there, "facing" the Sun. When we were near Earth, the Sun and Earth weren't very close in our sky. So, the light bulb approach (LGA) was better. When we're farther away we need more power in a smaller beam, the spot light, and the orbits work such that the Sun and Earth are nearby in the sky, so the medium gain antenna works better. Wee little antennasSpiffy. Looking at those diagrams you just put up, those antennas don't look very big, they're even smaller than TV antennas. And, I know we don't have all that much power on this spacecraft. How's that work, o' knower of all things. Big antennasI'm glad you asked. The key lies in NASA's Deep Space Network (DSN). The DSN communicates with all of the American spacecraft in deep space, and many others as well. It uses huge and powerful radio antennas located at three facilities around the world: Goldstone, California, USA; near Madrid, Spain; and near Canberra, Australia. These are placed about 1/3 of the way around Earth from each other, permitting constant observation of spacecraft as the Earth spins. How big?Cool tunes! Now we're talking. When you say big, what do you mean? Very big70 meter (almost as wide as the length of a football field) and 34 meter diameter dishes. Way totally humongousOh yeah. Those puppies must be able to pull in every satellite TV signal out there. Deep Space CommBiff, you're still missing the point. They do two way communication with deep space missions. Three's CompanyUh Hi Biff, Don't worry, I'm looking into those Three's Company re-runs for you. I'll try to send some up to you through the DSN. Jill Hers, and hers, and hisFinally, someone putting this amazing hardware to uses that benefit me directly. Thanks, Jill. That is most righteous of you! Three's Company, too. 01 October 2003Basketballs?Yo dudes, I needed a stretch after some intense video games, so I slipped out to the outside of the spacecraft again. What's the deal with the two basketballs. No one mentioned sports up here, not that I'm against it. Biff Propellant TanksBiff, I'm guessing you mean the spherical propellant tanks. They carry the spacecraft fuel. At launch, each carried about 31 kilograms (68 pounds) of hydrazine propellant. That is what the spacecraft uses to increase our speed or change our direction. It is what was used during our Trajectory Correction Maneuvers. Nozzles?OK. Note to self, don't try to bounce the tanks full of rocket fuel. Alright, then what are the little things with nozzles sticking out of them? Thruster ClustersThruster Clusters. CerealOh, those are great with raisins and milk. But, I'm guessing that isn't what you meant. Thruster Clusters 2Why no, Biff. The thruster clusters are sets of thrusters (nozzles) that use the hydrazine propellant to push us in different directions. By using different combinations of thrusters, our velocity can be increased, or our spacecraft can be moved sideways, or "twisted." Testing youWhy are they off most of the time, you can't just turn the engine off in a car or an airplane? By the way, I know this one, I just thought I'd test you to make you feel good about yourself. Lack of frictionYour thoughtfulness never ceases to amaze me. A car gets slowed down by the friction of the ground and air, and an airplane by the air. In the near vacuum of space, there is essentially no friction to slow us down like there is on Earth. So, we don't have to keep the thrusters on. We only use them to change direction or adjust our orientation or speed. Vacuums?So, we are in a near-vacuum. That sucks? Re: Vacuums?Not that kind of vacuum! A vacuum as in an absence of gas, a lack of pressure. News: SMART-1Hi Sandy and Biff, We have some news for you on other planetary spacecraft. First, the European Space Agency's SMART-1 spacecraft launched successfully. It will take about 15 months to reach the Moon. It will then go into orbit and acquire a variety of scientific data. SlownessWhoa, wait a second, I'm taking less than seven months to reach Mars, which, last I checked was about 140 times or more farther away. Apollo went to the Moon in 3 days. What is the story with these guys? Didn't eat their Thruster Clusters for breakfast? SMART-1Oh Biff, it is amazing that you haven't caused an international scandal. The SMART-1 mission is a technology demonstration of an ion engine. It accelerates slowly, but uses a lot less mass of fuel to get where you're going. It is on all the time, but only puts out a small amount of thrust. On or off?Hang on, rocket bot. You just got done telling us why our thrusters don't have to be on all the time. Thrust differencesTrue, but they are using a different type of space propulsion. Our chemical propellant puts out more thrust in small bursts. Theirs puts out only a little thrust, but can stay on all the time, and use up a lot less mass, thus enabling a lot of interesting future missions. NASA's Deep Space 1 also tested this technology, and one of their engines on the ground set the record for the longest an engine has ever been on constantly. Planned future missions such as Dawn will use ion engines. SmartWell then, I guess it is the smart one. Ar, ar, ha, ha. Galileo end of missionRighto. In other news, on Sept. 21, NASA's Galileo spacecraft was crashed into Jupiter, ending its extremely successful 14 year mission. Crashed?Youch, did you say crashed? That does not look or sound pretty. NASA did this on purpose? Uh, they don't have any plans for our mission I don't know about do they? TargetedGalileo was targeted into Jupiter because it was almost out of fuel, and NASA wanted to make sure they didn't accidentally later crash into one of its moons, thus possibly contaminating it. There are no such plans for our spacecraft. The goal is to get us on the surface in one piece. Milk?Righteous, glad to hear it. Well, back to some gaming. I love using radiation hardened computers to play video games, gives an extra sense of reality. I love to munch while I play. Any milk around here? 31 October 2003Power needs?Hey Dudette, I'm having trouble powering up my Halloween lights, lava lamp, and other Halloween stuff, what's up with electrical power on this ghostly craft? Biff PowerBiff, In short, the power comes from solar panels. We'll get back to that. Please tell me your kidding about lights and lava lamps. You didn't actually bring those things with you? Sandy Improvising?No, of course not. I know we have mass limitations. I've made them from stuff I found lying around, or occasionally attached to the spacecraft. I'll put it all back. Anyway, help me with this power issue. Solar panelsThe solar panels are attached to the "back" of the cruise stage of our spacecraft in a circular configuration. They are kept pointing towards the Sun to generate the maximum amount of power. They are about 2.65m (8.7 feet) in diameter. Divided into five sections, the solar arrays can provide up to 600 Watts of power near Earth and 300 Watts at Mars. That's the power required for 5 or 10 60-Watt light bulbs. The solar panels are the blue things on "top" in the diagrams above. Power shortageI've had handheld video games that required more power than that. Admittedly, that's just me. But still, the whole spacecraft operates on that? No wonder I'm having problems with my creations. Your "needs"Normal bots don't require such large amounts of power. The spacecraft also stores energy in batteries. It is hard to keep a spacecraft small and generate much power from solar panels. HalloweenI love power. Almost as much as I love Halloween. Hey everyone, what are you going to wear for Halloween costumes? No costumeI'm just going to spend a quiet evening at home handing out candy. No costumes planned. Jack CostumeHi Biff, I, like many this Halloween, will be dressing as Biff Starling. Jill Rock on!Wow, I'm touched! That is way beyond cool! Rock on! How about you, Sandy, are you dressing up as me? GaggingI think I just gagged on a data packet. NO. I'm not dressing as you for Halloween. I'm not dressing as anything but me. I didn't dress up on Earth. I'm certainly not dressing up in space. And, even if I did, how would I create a costume on board a spacecraft, especially one of you who looks so different from me? My costumeHappy Halloween from Biff. Well, you have a point about me. And, playing the Biffster is mostly about attitude, the right attitude. But, regarding costumes and life in general, you really need to learn to improvise, Sandy. Check out my costume! By the way, lava lamps turn out to be the one thing that isn't as cool looking in zero gravity. Still a nice warm glow. Happy Halloween everyone! 14 November 2003TinglyI've been feeling kind of tingly in a charged-particle-kind-of-a-way the last couple weeks. Do I just have some kinda programming disorder, or is there something I should know about? Re: TinglyHi Biffster, I often feel that way when I think about you, and I've been thinking about you a lot. But in this case, maybe it is caused by the recent flurry of solar activity. I remember in your testing you showed an abnormal sensitivity to charged particles like protons. Solar activityI thought they told me I was sensitive and charged. What kind of solar activity, and what does it have to do with me in space? Solar flarePerhaps I can help. There have been a number of very large solar flares and related events that have sent large amounts of charged particles hurtling out from the Sun into space. They can sometimes wreak havoc with spacecraft. In fact, a couple of Earth orbiting satellites may have been lost to these events. Deep space spacecraft like ours can also have problems. For example, Stardust has gone into safe mode in the past because of solar flares confusing the star scanner. Star scanners?Star scanners? We've got one of those, don't we? It is used to way-totally navigate as I recall. Re: Star ScannersWhy yes, you're right. It images the stars and compares their positions to figure out where the spacecraft is in space. Safe?What's this safe mode? Safe modeWhen modern spacecraft like ours detect a problem, they go into a safe mode to protect the spacecraft. They orient antennas towards the Earth as much as possible, stop doing unnecessary activities, and wait for commands from controllers on Earth. SweetSaftey--Sweet! TotallyTotally! 29 December 2003News: International Mission UpdateHi Biff and Sandy, I have some news updates for you from the other Mars missions. But, first, Biff, you will land in five days, and all systems look good. Now on to the international news: The European Space Agency's Mars Express spacecraft has successfully entered Mars orbit! It will be adjusting its orbit as planned to accomplish its many exciting science goals. Jack RighteousMost righteous European dudes and dudettes! Way to power into Martian orbit! Congratulations!Congratulations to ESA on a great achievement. This is the first time ESA has placed a spacecraft in orbit around another planet! Jack, what is the status of the Beagle 2 lander? News: Beagle 2Mars Express deployed the Beagle 2 lander to the surface of Mars, but so far Beagle 2 has not been heard from. It should have landed on Mars on Dec. 24/25 depending on Earth time zone. There is still some hope left that it will be able to communicate with the Mars Express orbiter on Jan. 4. Woof on Whoa!Sounds like a most lonely little lander. Good luck, guy. Woof on Beagle dude! Best wishesWe send our best wishes to the spacecraft and the British team behind her development. News: NozomiIn other spacecraft news, the Japanese Space Agency's (JAXA) Nozomi spacecraft was unable to enter Mars orbit. The spacecraft functions, but will not be obtaining Mars data as hoped. SorryMost unfortunate! Sorry, dudes. CondolencesWe send our condolences to those who have worked on this mission for many years and our best wishes for future successes. Mars is tough! Did you know that only about one-third of all missions that have been sent to Mars have succeeded? Now?You tell me this NOW! I'm five days from landing on Mars, and you choose now to share this happy little statistic with me. Space historyWell, Biff, if you'd studied any of your space history, you'd already know this. Our spacecraft are technological marvels that represent years of work for thousands of people. They've done all they can to reduce risk. Your safetyHi Biffster, Know that I am doing everything possible to ensure your safety, including contingency plans. Jill OkayThanks, Jill. Well, okay then. What's next? EDLWell, in terms of what you need to be concerned with, we'll be reviewing the entry, descent, and landing sequence with you over the next few days. Stay tuned. I'll be hereOh, I'll be here. I have no plans to leave the spacecraft. 01 January 2004News: On TargetHi Biff, You're still looking right on course for landing in Gusev Crater on Jan. 3 at 8:35 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. The Trajectory Correction Maneuver on Dec. 26 has you going right where we want. In case you are interested, as of 6 a.m. PST this morning, you've traveled 482 million kilometers (299 million miles) since launch and have 5.1 million kilometers (3.2 million miles) left to go. Jack Lookin' to LandingAnd I've hardly even broken a sweat. Dude, it's been a long voyage with a lot of black, so I'm happy to be almost there. I slipped out for another look outside the spacecraft, and whoa, Mars is looking seriously big and impressive. I think I see why they call it the Red Planet, too. Sweet polar caps, also. TemptationBiff, don't you get tempted to get out and look around when you get close to hitting the atmosphere. In fact, make sure you buckle down tightly for landing. Fear notRoger that righteous, dudette. Fear not, even the Biffster has respect for going from 12,000 miles per hour (5.4 km per second) to zero in 6 minutes. But, the view was most bodacious, you should give a couple more looks before your landing. Mars Express ImageImage of Mars taken by Mars Express on Dec. 1, 2003. Image: ESA Click to enlarge HaikuSure does. I've written a little haiku about the view we're getting now. This one's for you, Jill. Bogus black fades away. PoetryOh Biff, poetry fans are going to boycott the landing. ThanksI thought your haiku was stellar, Biff. And, it even rhymes. Thanks! I'll treasure it in my collection. Happy New YearHey, did you know that with Mars years being almost two Earth years in length, I guess I'll be only half as old when I'm on Mars... Well, in any case, for you Earthlings, a new trip around the Sun has just begun, so Happy New Year everybody!!! 03 January 2004EDL and SafteyHi Biff, your landing is only hours away. Biff, I really want you to be safe during Entry, Descent, and Landing (EDL), so I want to review the key components with you, including the basics of the timeline. I'm sure you know all there is to know already, but I'll feel better if we review this. SafetyWell, uh, to make you feel better. Never can be too safe. Cruise ringAn hour and a half before landing, the spacecraft will turn so its heat shield is in the proper orientation. A bit more than an hour after that, the cruise ring, which has gotten you to Mars, and includes solar panels, thruster clusters, and lots of other things, will separate from the aeroshell. Re: Cruise RingNote to self: stay off the cruise ring. So, we're done with that stuff at that point. Hitting the atmosphereYes, nothing on the cruise ring will be needed anymore. About 15 minutes later, the aeroshell, with you and the lander snug inside, will start encountering the upper part | |||||
