On May 25, 2008, the Phoenix spacecraft will enter the atmosphere of Mars and attempt to become the first spacecraft to land on the surface of the Red Planet since the successful Spirit and Opportunity rover missions in 2003. The Phoenix lander is also the first of NASA’s Robotic Scout Missions, and will land at high latitude near the North Pole of the planet in search of water, which is expected to lie at or just under the surface in the form of ice.
Analytical Graphics, Inc. (AGI) is providing free animations, graphics, and interactive AGI Viewer files to broadcast, online, and print media for use in stories related to the Mars Phoenix landing. For details on obtaining broadcast resolution video clips or high resolution graphics for media release, please contact AGI media relations at media@agi.com.
IN ALL USES, COURTESY: Analytical Graphics, Inc.
Videos – The following video footage was created in support of the May 25 landing of the Phoenix Mars spacecraft. The footage focuses on important events leading up to and following the entry, descent, and landing phases of the mission. The descriptions of each video clip are also listed below. NOTE: Please contact media@agi.com to request broadcast quality footage or if you require specific video formatting changes.
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Earth-to-Mars Coast Trajectory
A view of the Coast phase from Earth to Mars for the Phoenix spacecraft, which launched in August 2007. Versions are available with and without the trajectory correction maneuver (TCM) windows highlighted on the spacecraft trajectory. |
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Mars Arrival
A closer view of the spacecraft’s trajectory as it approaches the Green Valley landing area on Mars. Dynamic altitude and range-to-target data are included in a head-up display. |
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Landing
The Phoenix lander, already separated from its outer shell, firing thrusters to slow its descent before landing on the Martian surface. |
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Communications Network
A view above Mars of three orbiting spacecraft that will be used for communications between the Phoenix lander and the Deep Space Network (DSN) on Earth. The communications link is highlighted in yellow during overflights of the lander. |
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Surface operations
A view of the lander performing surface activities, including digging with the RA (Robotic Arm), using LIDAR equipment, and transmitting communications data to one of the orbiting Martian spacecraft. |
VDF files – The following VDF files were created from the original STK scenarios modeling the Mars Phoenix landing events. These interactive files can be opened, complete with all scenario data, within STK. VDF files can also be viewed via the free AGI Viewer product, available for download here.
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Earth to Mars
This VDF file demonstrates STK’s ability to support trajectory design and maneuver modeling for space exploration mission planning. The scenario focuses on the launch, coast, and Mars insertion stages of the Phoenix lander mission, which is scheduled to enter the Martian atmosphere on May 25, 2008, at an area near 233E longitude, 68N latitude. |
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Comm Link Analysis
This VDF file shows how the Phoenix lander will utilize orbiting spacecraft around Mars to relay data to and from the Deep Space Network (DSN) back on Earth. |
Digital Still Images – To download all images, click on the download button below.
IN ALL USES, COURTESY: Analytical Graphics, Inc.
Desktop Applications
