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HAPPY VALENTINES!!!!
The data for the MARSOKHOD (Russian for Mars Rover) is going well. The vehicle is being tested in the MARS mode and the LUNAR mode. The Mars mode is testing vehicle control and data gathering capabilities of the vehicle using data gathering and mapping via still digital video. Delay of the signal is being simulated via software and varies between 4 and 40 minutes depending on Mars location. (and to think people complain about 1/2 second delays). The Lunar mode includes full motion video and the delay is only a few seconds. Try and imagine what it would be like to play a computer game if it took 40 minutes for the cursor on your PC to move after you moved the mouse.
The data link EDS is supplying, is working perfectly. The data link will be active until Feb. 20th when the NASA testing is completed. The earth station will then be moved to the Jason location. This datalink is a T-1, 1544 mbps data carrier, using multiplexed video and data from the Hawaii location and the Rover.
The systems are drawing a lot of attention from the park visitors and will probably be as photographed as the volcanoes. I am getting to do a lot of practice talking about how a satellite system works.
The site for the Jason operations is still moving as the Lava flow direction and volume is being studied by the Observatory. The set up of the video truck, production, and other support equipment, is beginning today if the site is selected and approved.
I will update you again after the systems are on site and I can explain the Jason final configuration.
Pass the word Jason is coming.....
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Gene Carl
Feldman
(gene@seawifs.gsfc.nasa.gov)
(301) 286-9428
Todd Carlo Viola,
JASON Foundation for Education
(todd@jason.org)