Last of the probes that are in orbit of Mars, out of the house

The second of two probes that are in orbit of Mars, out of the house. Staff Mars Odyssey went into the so-called safe mode (safe mode) on Nov. 28. It is reported by New Scientist.

The reason for cessation of normal operation was a memory error in the probe. Engineers perezavantazhyly board computer Mars Odyssey, but as long as the unit is not returned to normal operation. This kind of problem has occurred in the probe, and a reboot is acceptable way to overcome them.

While the Mars Odyssey will not resume their functions, the Martian orbit is not a single device, transmitting to Earth science data. "Associate" Mars Odyssey, the probe Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) is in sleep mode from August 2009. Engineers decided to "overlie" MRO, after his computer four times perezavantazhyvsya no apparent reason.

Problems with the Martian orbital probes may prevent other rescue apparatus, which is located on the surface of the Red Planet. Mars rover Spirit got stuck in the sand in April 2009. Engineers long vidpratsovuvaly Path rescue tactics, using the model and special containers with soil, imitating the surface of Mars. Recently, scientists were able to move Spirit for a few millimeters. Spirit and Opportunity similar apparatus can receive and accept commands from Earth directly, but mediation orbital probes to order accelerates these processes.