Mars Global Surveyor
Yesterday’s Family Site of the Day was rich with science fiction. Today we move science fiction to science fact.
This past summer, we were treated to the excitement of an unmanned landing on the planet Mars, and some spectacular pictures. The rover has since ceased operating, but all is not quite with respect to the red planet.
The Mars Global Surveyor is an active satellite that is currently providing detailed photographs of the surface of the planet. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist (no pun intended) to see that the groundwork is being laid for a manned flight there some day. At the Famsite today, it is possible to view the current work being done, view some great photographs, and actually see the telemetric data from the spacecraft. You can peek into the control room, as well as see spacecraft animations that enable a viewer to easier understand what is going on with the mission.
Sites like this one really show how the Internet can expand our understanding of science. Not only does one learn here, but also experience history in the making. It is a really good feeling.