NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter remains sidelined nine
weeks after a still-unexplained shutdown -- it’s fourth this year.
The problem appears to be with unexpected voltage signals or a device that measures voltages, reports the Arizona Daily Star.
Engineers are working on software fix, but no word yet on when NASA may try to resuscitate the spacecraft. MRO, which has produced detailed, unprecedented maps of the Martian surface, completed its prime science mission and has been being used to help scout landing sites for the Mars Science Lab, a roving geology station planned for launch in 2011.
Tags: Mars
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