Solar System.
Mars in a Minute: What Happens When the Sun Blocks our Signal?
Jet Propulsion Laboratory https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/ March 19, 2013
What is "solar conjunction," and how does it affect communications with our spacecraft at Mars? Learn more in this 60-second video.
Transcript
About every two years, Earth and Mars wind up on oppositesides of the sun. That?s called "solar conjunction."
It's like being on either side of a huge bonfire: we can?t see Mars, and our landers, rovers, and orbiters can?t see us.
If our spacecraft send back signals, charged particles fromthe sun could interfere, causing gaps in the data that reach us.
That?s not a big deal: if something?s missing, it can always be resent later. But, no way do we want to lose data when we send up commands. Receiving a partial command couldconfuse the spacecraft, putting them in grave danger!
So, mission controllers plan ahead by sending up simple to-do lists, including regular health check ups.
Back home, this break in communications lets team members catch up on other work... or take a well-deservedvacation!
Solar conjunction lasts just a few weeks. Then it?s back to the grindstone... on Earth and on Mars.
It's like being on either side of a huge bonfire: we can?t see Mars, and our landers, rovers, and orbiters can?t see us.
If our spacecraft send back signals, charged particles fromthe sun could interfere, causing gaps in the data that reach us.
That?s not a big deal: if something?s missing, it can always be resent later. But, no way do we want to lose data when we send up commands. Receiving a partial command couldconfuse the spacecraft, putting them in grave danger!
So, mission controllers plan ahead by sending up simple to-do lists, including regular health check ups.
Back home, this break in communications lets team members catch up on other work... or take a well-deservedvacation!
Solar conjunction lasts just a few weeks. Then it?s back to the grindstone... on Earth and on Mars.