Next activity with the DLR HP³ geothermal sensor system
Next activity with the DLR HP³ geothermal sensor system
So far, it has not been possible to use the self-hammering 'Mole', the main component of the DLR Heat Flow and Physical Properties Package (HP 3 ), to penetrate deeper than 38 centimetres into the Martian soil, which has unusual properties, even for Mars. After the Mole was almost completely in the Martian soil, it backed out a short distance. Subsequently, with repeated lateral pressure from the robotic arm, it has moved a little deeper into the ground, again with a recent slight backward movement. In the coming weeks, pressure from above with the robotic arm should help.
