Beagle 2 Failure Theories

Dan East writes "New Scientist has an article discussing the failure of ESA's Beagle 2 Lander. Theories as to why the landing failed include thinner than expected upper atmosphere, extreme atmospheric temperature fluctuations, and possible physical damage to Beagle 2 seen in an image acquired immediately after it separated from Mars Express. Recent data acquired by Mars Express, as well as NASA's Mars Rovers, are helping direct investigations into the failure. So far only around half of Beagle 2's landing ellipse has been imaged in an attempt to locate remnants of the lander. USA Today is also running an AP story on these latest theories."

Comments

Re:Unrelated Question

[jmv]

I don't know the real answers, but here are a few guesses:
1) wipers == one extra thing that will break
2) not worth it (as you mentioned)
3) The dust sticks on the panels (most likely)

Yer gonna hate me then..

[way2trivial]

here's my lame solution..

cover the panels with multiple layers of clear material, something between a a chunk of mica,and layers of saranwrap-- say, 10 layers, one atop the other- at the far end (out from the body) each layer is attached in the corners like a yoke (y shape from spindle to the corners) to a thread, when the top layer gets dusty, have a small motor reel in the thread- peeling away the top layer (which falls to the wayside) the next thread being under the layer above just removed.. (not flopping around)

all it requires is a motor with a spindle, monofiliment, and the layers of clear material.