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The Secret of Mars: How amazing is Nozomi's original mission?
Nozomi, the name means "hope" or "wish" in Japanese, is a historical project for Japanese Mars rovers.Although Nozomi ultimately failed to arrive at Mars as she wished, the mission plan and concept behind it were jaw-dropping.Since its launch mission started on July 4, 1998, Nozomi has been destined to be a long-distance journey to explore Mars.
Task Overview
Designed by the Institute of Cosmic Science and Technology, the Nozomi, whose main mission is to investigate the upper atmosphere of Mars and its interaction with the solar wind.The equipment it carries is designed to conduct in-depth research on the ionosphere structure, composition and dynamics of Mars, and to master important scientific indicators such as the influence of solar wind, atmosphere escape phenomenon, and Mars' inherent magnetic field.
"It seems that waiting for the rabbit is no longer suitable for space exploration, but instead requires unremitting efforts and diverse strategies to face challenges."
Emission Process
After launch, Nozomi entered a highly elliptical Earth orbit, with an initial height of between 340 kilometers and 400,000 kilometers.During this period, Nozomi used two lunar gravity boosts to enhance its orbit and successfully completed the Earth's passing on December 20, 1998. However, unexpected electrical failures made Nozomi face difficulties in carrying out its subsequent plans.
Task Change
In the plan, Nozomi was originally scheduled to arrive at Mars in October 1999, but the fuel loss caused by a valve failure when the Earth passed, which eventually greatly reduced its chances of successfully reaching Mars.In the subsequent time, the task team must re-plan and develop a new four-year mission plan.
"The process of reorganization is difficult, but we all believe that the chances of success are still in the next four years."
The original intention for Mars
Nozomi was designed to enter a highly eccentric orbit of Mars for a mission of one and a half years.If implemented, the probe has to lower its orbital height and begin a variety of observations, including images of the Martian surface and its satellites.
Scientific Instruments
Nozomi is equipped with 14 scientific instruments, including imaging cameras, neutral mass mass spectrometers, dust meters, thermal mass analyzers, and more.These instruments are set up to obtain first-hand data on the interaction between Martian atmosphere and solar wind.Although it ultimately failed to achieve the ideal task, it collected some useful scientific data.
Scientific achievements
Nozomi completed measurements of Lyman-alpha light and other scientific observations, which provided a valuable database for future missions to Mars.However, after the passing of Mars in December 2003, the communication actually lost contact and the hope of re-mastering was gradually slim.
"Space exploration is not only a challenge to science and technology, but also a persistence of human will."
Conclusion
Although Nozomi's mission failed to reach Mars as expected due to failure, the valuable data and lessons it has brought in the process are still the cornerstone of future space exploration.Will more countries and institutions in the future uphold this spirit of exploration and continue to go deep into the unknown Mars?
