Mars Global Surveyor Status Report
25 Jul 2001
(Source: Jet Propulsion Laboratory)
Wednesday, July 25, 2001 (DOY 199/19:00:00 to DOY 206/19:00:00 UTC)
Launch / Days since Launch = Nov. 7, 1996 / 1722 days
Start of Mapping / Days since Start of Mapping = April 1, 1999 / 846 days
Total Mapping Orbits = 10,642
Total Orbits = 12,325
Background Sequences - The spacecraft is operating nominally in performing daily recording and transmission of science data. The mm151 sequence has performed well since it started on 01-200 (7/19/01). It terminates on 01-227 (8/15/01).
Other - Dust storms spreading across the planet are making narrow angle photographic imaging of Mars impracticable. Therefore, ROTO operations remain suspended until the global dust storms subside. MGS has completed 155 ROTOs to date.
A second in-flight MOLA diagnostic test (MZ116) was performed on 01-206 (7/25/01) to gain more insight into the MOLA anomaly. Detailed analyses will be performed after the recorded data is transmitted to Earth on 01-207 (7/26/01).
All subsystems report good health and status except for the MOLA payload instrument that malfunctioned on 01-181 (6/30/01). The MOLA instrument team is still investigating the anomaly.
There have been 6 uplinks to the spacecraft during the past week, including instrument command loads and the MZ116 MOLA diagnostic test. 5,506 command files have been radiated to the spacecraft since launch.
A Bistatic Radar experiment is planned for 01-217 (8/5/01). The first of several Delta-DOR experiments will take place on 01-236 (8/24/01).