[meteorite-list] Mars Orbiter Resumes Science Observations (MRO)

[Ron Baalke]

http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/news.cfm?release=2009-096  

Mars Orbiter Resumes Science Observations
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
June 09, 2009

Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter Mission Status Report

PASADENA, Calif. -- NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter is examining Mars
again with its scientific instruments after successfully transitioning
out of a precautionary standby mode triggered by an unexpected June 3
rebooting of its computer.

Engineers brought the spacecraft out of the standby mode on June 6.
Cameras and other scientific instruments resumed operation June 9.

The Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter reached Mars in 2006 and has returned
more data about the planet than all other Mars missions combined.

The June 3 rebooting resembled a Feb. 23 event on the spacecraft.
Engineers are re-investigating possible root causes for both events. The
new investigation includes reconsidering the likelihood of erroneous
voltage readings resulting from cosmic rays or solar particles hitting
an electronic component.

Media Contact: Guy Webster 818-354-6278
Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif.
guy.webster at jpl.nasa.gov

2009-096