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Martian subsurface probe
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Martian subsurface probe
Martian subsurface probe. Artwork of one of the Deep Space 2 Mars microprobes on the surface of Mars. These probes were attached to the Mars Polar Lander that entered the Martian atmosphere on 3 December 1999. Communication was lost at this point, and no further signals have been received. The probes were designed to free-fall into the Martian soil at around 200 metres per second. The impact would have driven the probes about 2 metres into the soil. The probes consisted of an upper part, which was intended to relay information to Earth, connected by flex to the bullet-shaped probe itself. The probes were designed to sample the soil and take physical readings such as temperature, and look for signs of frozen water. It is not known what caused the mission to fail
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Media ID 6443759
© DETLEV VAN RAVENSWAAY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
1900s 1990s 1999 Analysing Analysis Experiment Exploration Failed Investigating Investigation Life Mars Mars Mission Mission Nasa Planetary Science Probe Solar System Space Craft Surface Test Testing Under Ground Computer Artwork
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This print captures the Martian subsurface probe, one of the Deep Space 2 Mars microprobes, resting on the rugged surface of Mars. The artwork showcases the technological marvel that was attached to the ill-fated Mars Polar Lander, which descended into the Martian atmosphere on December 3rd, 1999. Unfortunately, communication with these probes was lost at this critical moment and no further signals have been received since. The design of these microprobes aimed to delve deep into the Martian soil by free-falling at an astonishing speed of approximately 200 meters per second upon impact. With a forceful landing driving them about two meters beneath the surface, these probes were equipped with cutting-edge instruments for sampling soil and collecting physical data such as temperature readings. Their primary objective was to search for signs of frozen water in order to shed light on potential life-sustaining conditions. Despite their promising mission goals, it remains a mystery what caused this pioneering endeavor to fail. Nevertheless, this historical image serves as a reminder of humanity's relentless pursuit of knowledge and exploration beyond our own planet. As we gaze upon this remarkable illustration created by Science Photo Library's skilled artists, we are reminded that even in moments when missions do not go according to plan, they contribute valuable insights towards unraveling the mysteries hidden within our solar system's celestial bodies like Mars.
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