3.6 KiB
| title | chunk | source | category | tags | date_saved | instance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deep Space 2 | 2/2 | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deep_Space_2 | reference | science, encyclopedia | 2026-05-05T13:10:05.798867+00:00 | kb-cron |
== New Technologies: High Impact and Low Temperature Electronics == Custom electronics and batteries were designed for the Deep Space 2 probes to survive extremely high accelerations on impact with the surface of Mars and the cold temperatures that it would experience once in operation. Both the electronics and the custom cells were required to survive an impact on the order of 80,000 g and operational temperatures as low at -80 °C. Additionally, as much as a 30,000 g difference in acceleration was possible between the forebody and aftbody. Batteries Together with Yardney Technical Products, JPL designed a battery with two non-rechargeable 6-14V cells using lithium-thionyl chloride (LI-SOCl2) chemistry to survive the expected conditions. The batteries were impact tested and also thermally cycled during development. Electronics Packaging Due to the probe's form factor and the harsh survivability conditions, JPL used novel techniques to secure the onboard electronics. The techniques included chip-on-board (COB) technology to improve packing density. It also used a 1-meter flexible umbilical cable to connect the forebody penetrator that would be displaced upon impact. Mechanical (non-functioning) models were impact tested before launch to determine if the structures would survive.
== Mission failure == The probes reached Mars along with the Mars Polar Lander mission, apparently without incident, but communication was never established after impact. It is not known what the cause of failure was. A failure review board was commissioned to report on the failures of the Mars Polar Lander and Deep Space 2 probes. The review board was unable to identify a probable cause of failure, but suggested several possible causes:
The probe radio equipment had a low chance of surviving the impact. The batteries may have failed on impact. The probes may have bounced on impact. The probes may have landed on their sides, resulting in bad antenna performance or radio link geometry. The probes may simply have hit ground that was too rocky for survival. The board concluded that the probes and their components were not tested adequately before launch.
== Aftermath == Despite the failures of Mars Polar Lander and the two Deep Space 2 probes, Planum Australe, which served as their exploration target, would in later years be explored by European Space Agency's MARSIS radar, which examined and analyzed the site from Mars's orbit and even determined that the area had water beneath its vast area of ice. Images which were obtained from MARSIS also determined that the water discovered beneath Planum Australe was in fact saltwater.
== See also == Exploration of Mars Deep Space 1 InSight – successful Mars lander carrying similar burrowing probe with temperature sensor List of missions to Mars List of spacecraft powered by non-rechargeable batteries
== References ==
== Bibliography == JPL, Deep Space 2 Fact Sheet NSSDC Data Archive, Deep Space 2 "Press Kit: 1998 Mars Missions" (.PDF) (Press release). National Aeronautics and Space Administration. December 8, 1998. Retrieved April 22, 2009.
== External links ==
Archived JPL Deep Space 2 website (original website no longer exists) Report of the Loss of the Mars Polar Lander and Deep Space 2 Missions (Part 1) (see page 10 of report (page 22 of this PDF) for the findings of the Deep Space 2 investigation) (Part 2) (Part 3) (Part 4) (Part 5) (see page 124 of report (page 1 of this PDF) for Deep Space 2 possible failure modes)