Mars Global Surveyor Status Report 6 September 2000
Wednesday, September 06, 2000 (DOY 243/19:00:00 to DOY 250/19:00:00
UTC)
Launch / Days since Launch = Nov. 7, 1996 / 1400 days
Start of Mapping / Days since Start of Mapping = April 1, 1999 / 524 days
Total Mapping Orbits = 6,703
Total Orbits = 8,306
Recent Events:
Background Sequences — The spacecraft continues to operate nominally
in performing the beta-supplement daily recording and transmission of science
data. The mm066 sequence executed successfully from 00-244 (8/31/00) through
00-246 (9/02/00). The mm067 sequence has performed well since it started
on 00-247 (9/3/00). It terminates on 00-250 (9/6/00). The mm068 sequence,
successfully uplinked on 00-249 (8/5/00), begins executing on 00-251 (9/7/00).
Other – Between 00-243 (8/30/00) and 00-246 (9/2/00) MGS specifically
targeted the North and South poles with the laser altimeter during thirteen
orbits covering 360 degrees of latitude. Now that the mz054 MOLA Polar
Scan mini-sequence has successfully terminated, scientists are processing
the resulting data set.
Spacecraft Health:
All subsystems report nominal health. As MGS approaches aphelion, the
average energy margin per orbit is dropping as expected. Two new solar
array motion scripts have been uplinked to maintain 40 Watt-hours of average
energy margin per orbit while MGS travels near aphelion. They take effect
on 00-251 (9/7/00).
Uplinks:
There have been 17 uplinks to the spacecraft during the last week, including
instrument command loads, the previously cited background sequences, the
two new solar array motion scripts, and the mz055 mini-sequence. The mz055
mini-sequence will command Radio Science Occultation Egress Scans between
00-252 (9/8/00) and 00-253 (9/09/00).
There have been 4,830 command files radiated to the spacecraft since
launch.
Upcoming Events:
The mm069 background sequence will be uplinked 00-252 (9/8/00). MOC
Focus Calibrations, scheduled for 00-262 (9/18/00) through 00-272 (9/28/00),
will be contained in the mz056, mz057, and mz058 mini-sequences.