RFSPACE NEWSBLOG
SDR-14 used by NASA to Track Mars Phoenix Lander on Way to Mars
Today the 100 meter Green Bank Telescope tracked and monitored the Mars Phoenix Lander (MPL) as it descended though the Martian atmosphere. The MPL transmitted on 401.585625 MHz . The extremely weak signals were picked up by an RFSPACE SDR-14 receiver and displayed using the SpectraVue software from a distance of 170 million miles. The SpectraVue spectrum display was used as the main signal display at mission control until Mars orbiting satellites were in reach.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Video that explains the doppler signal as received by the SDR-14 and SpectraVue.
Video shows the Phoenix Lander signal on the SpectraVue waterfall display from a distance of 170 million miles. The frequency of the carrier is shifted in frequency due to the velocity of the lander.
SpectraVue / SDR-14 Combo showing the Mars Phoenix Lander doppler signature as it approached Mars. Received on Earth directly from Mars using the Green Bank Observatory in West Virginia on 401 MHz.
Mars Phoenix Lander video.
