Mars Polar Lander

• kamikaze Deep Space 2 probes free-fall to surface
  • hit at 400 mph, penetrate several feet
  • miniature drill gets samples
  • analyzed for water content
• meanwhile soft landing for Polar Lander
  • Robotic arm to gather samples
  • MVACS to analyze samples
    • look for water
      • liquid, frozen, or bound up in minerals
    • evidence of weather and climate changes

• Mission success probability ~ 80%

  • Prof. Forrest’s W.A.G.

Previous slide

Next slide

Back to first slide

View graphic version