Afterthoughts about N.A.S.A.’s Insight Spacecraft


(Palo Alto, CA) N.A.S.A.’s Insight Spacecraft landed on the Planet Mars, on November 26th, 2018.  Additionally, it first unlatched its robotic arm on November 27th, 2018.  On this day; the Insight Spacecraft, became, the Insight Lander.  Recently, the manufacturer of the robotic arm, SSL, offered some afterthoughts.  The afterthoughts are also, a way of congratulating N.A.S.A. on a successful interplanetary voyage. 

            The interplanetary voyage of the N.A.S.A. Insight Spacecraft started, on May 5th, 2018.  The previously mentioned date, is the launch date.  Furthermore; Insight is the acronym for interior exploration using seismic investigations, geodesy and heat transport.  Obviously, the acronym is also the purpose of the mission.  The Insight Lander has as its mission, the exploration and study of the deep interior of the planet.  Furthermore; through the SSL built robotic arm, it collects data.  The data comes from seismic, rotational and thermal measurements.  The data will ultimately be used, to determine the present level of tectonic activity on the Planet Mars.  After having landed on the Planet Mars, the Insight Spacecraft became the Insight Lander.  This transition, does have a monetary cost.  The cost is estimated at, $828.8 million USD.  The official manufacturer is Lockheed Martin Space Systems.  Additionally, the official contractor is United Launch Alliance.  As previously said, the afterthoughts were first put into discussion by SSL.  The aforementioned business, is the official manufacturer of the robotic arm, which is on the Insight Lander.  Furthermore, SSL has also been the official manufacturer of all five robotic arms, which have been used in the exploration of the Planet Mars.  

            SSL is also known by its old name:  Space Systems/Loral, LLC.  Currently, it is a completely owned subsidiary of Maxar Technologies, Ltd. (NYSE:  MAXR and TSX:  MAXR).  SSL designs and builds satellites and space systems, for a wide range of government and commercial clients.  The advanced line of products from SSL includes small satellites, sophisticated robotics and autonomous solutions for remote operations.  As previously mentioned; SSL has been the official manufacturer of all five of the robotic arms, which have been used in the Mars exploration missions.  The first SSL built robotic arm, was for the Spirit and Opportunity Rovers.  The latter, were launched in the year 2003.  The mission was to study the history of water on Mars.  The second SSL built robotic arm, was for the Phoenix Lander.  The latter, was launched in the year 2007.  The mission was to study the history of water of the Martian Artic, and, to search for evidence of a habitable zone.  The third SSL built robotic arm, was for the Curiosity Rover.  The latter, was launched in the year 2011.  The mission was to study and explore, the Gale Crater.  The fourth SSL built robotic arm, is currently on the Insight Lander.  The fifth SSL built robotic arm, still has to be built; technically.  This robotic arm is for N.A.S.A.’s future mission; Mars 2020 Rover.  For this project, the robotic arm will also have sample handling assembly capabilities.  This robotic arm itself; is designed to provide extreme accurate readings under severe temperature variations, and, under a dusty and dirty environment.  Richard White is the President of Government Systems at SSL.  Through a press statement, Mr. White said the following.  “SSL is committed to providing innovative space systems that build a better world and advance humankind’s understanding of the universe.  SSL has a long and successful history as a trusted supplier to NASA and JPL, and we’re delighted that the SSL-built robotic arm on InSight is beginning operations.”

            To end and as previously stated; the Insight Spacecraft landed on the Planet Mars, on November 26th, 2018.  On November 27th, 2018, it unlatched its robotic arm for the first time.  On this day; the Insight Spacecraft, became, the Insight Lander.  Recently, the manufacturer of the robotic arm offered some insightful afterthoughts.  Lastly, the manufacturer is SSL, a completely owned subsidiary of Maxar Technologies, Ltd.

 

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Written from Press Release

Registered Writer with

PR Newswire Association, LLC

R-Berumen28

12/08/2018


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