Crash report: Confused by spin, Schiaparelli Mars probe failed to brake
Source: Phys.org
Crash report: Confused by spin, Mars probe failed to brake
May 24, 2017
An independent report has concluded that Europe's Schiaparelli probe crash-landed on Mars last year because its systems couldn't cope with a brief, wild rotation during its descent.
The report commissioned by the European Space Agency says the sudden spin—lasting only one second—overloaded the probe's sensors, making it think it had already reached the ground.
This made the probe release its parachute early and only briefly fire its thrusters. Schiaparelli hit the ground at 540 kph (336 mph), leaving a visible crater.
ESA's director of human spaceflight and robotic exploration says if engineers had foreseen the high rotation rate the system could have been designed to cope with it.
David Parker said Wednesday the results will help scientists prepare for a robotic mission to Mars in 2020.
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Read more: https://phys.org/news/2017-05-mars-probe.html
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Source: BBC
Schiaparelli: Crashed lander was ill-prepared for Mars
By Paul Rincon
Science editor, BBC News website
24 May 2017 Science & Technology
The crashed European spacecraft Schiaparelli was ill-prepared for its attempt at landing on the surface of Mars.
That's the conclusion of an inquiry into the failure on 16 October 2016.
The report outlines failings during the development process and makes several recommendations ahead of an attempt to land a rover on Mars in 2020.
That mission will require more testing, improvements to software and more outside oversight of design choices.
The Schiaparelli module was intended to test the European Space Agency's (Esa) capability for atmospheric entry, descent and - finally - landing on the surface of Mars.
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Read more: http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-40029180
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