New Photos of the InSight Martian Apparatus

New Photos of the InSight Martian Apparatus

On the left - photos from the InSight landing gear (a deployed seismometer at the top and a device for deployment at the bottom). On the right are footage from the MRO orbiter, showing the landing site on the Martian surface

The NASA InSight on Mars was preparing to begin scientific observations, and also engaged in the deployment of the latest research device. This is a thermal probe. If all goes well, he will drill about 5 meters of surface for two months.

The deployment process involves using a “claw” at the end of the InSight robotic arm. From February 10, the claw holds the heat probe in preparation for the start of the procedure. When the probe is in the Martian soil, it will be able to determine how heat flows through the Red Planet. Due to this, it will be possible to understand the characteristics of the Martian regolith. The heat probe will be paired with a seismometric instrument that will track the seismic waves in the internal structure of Mars in order to put them on the map. Researchers believe that marsh tremors are occurring on the planet. In addition, the seismometer will be able to record echo signals from fallen meteorites or a thermal probe while drilling.

Scientists can view the seismometer not only in pictures taken by InSight, but also in photographs of the MRO orbiter orbiting the planet since March 2006. On board is a camera HiRISE, providing detailed images of the Martian surface.

The photographs are so detailed that the polygonal solar panels of the descent vehicle are noticeable, as well as the white spot of the protective cover of the seismometer.

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