Santa came early courtesy of the team at JPL! The Seismometer package containing the SEIS-SP and the SEIS-VBB sensors has been successfully placed on the surface of Mars. The SEIS-SP which is the higher frequency sensor that uses Kinemetrics patented MEMS technology and electronics designed by Kinemetrics has already returned data during the trip to Mars, from the deck of the Lander where it “heard” the Martian wind. In the next few days and we hope to see the first data returned from the Martian surface.
The next few weeks will be spent leveling the package to allow the more sensitive SEIS-VBB to operate. After that, the wind and thermal shield will be placed over the package to isolate the sensors from the temperature extremes and the Martian Wind.
Read More Below:
Mars Lander News:
https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/news.php?feature=7310
Instrument on the Ground
https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/news.php?feature=7310
Martian Wind from the SEIS-SP on the Lander:
https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/news.php?feature=7300
Pictures from the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter showing InSight on the surface of Mars
https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/news.php?feature=7305
Insight takes a Selfie:
https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/news.php?feature=7302
