Wednesday, August 5, 2015

Correction: No descent camera on the Mars 2020 rover

Since I published my short update on the Mars 2020 plans, I've learned that the current plans for the mission do not include a descent imager.  As a result, there currently will not be the equivalent to the descent movie made for the Curiosity landing.  I apparently misunderstood a point on an earlier presentation I read.

The project engineers are still evaluating a Terrain Relative Navigation system to guide the rover to a safe landing.  That system would require a down looking camera.  I have not heard whether that camera would make movies or record still images for later analysis or release to the public.

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