Live Chat Roundup 9/20/12

By Jim Gerard, INSPIRE Education Specialist, KSC, FL

Anyone got the new iPhone yet? Communication is a huge industry, and an important part of every space science mission. Last night's LiveChat featured Peter Ilott, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory's director of Communication and System Operations. He discussed with the 55 INSPIRE students gathered the engineering and technology involved in communication with Mars.

Although it is possible to communicate directly with the Curiosity rover on the surface of Mars, most data is relayed through one of three orbiting science probes. The relay allows the rover to carry a smaller antenna to the surface (less mass) and lessons power requirements.

Students had a great time asking questions about the transmitted data rate, the length of time the signal travels, and other engineering questions. All will be heard on the archive recording, available by Monday. Don't forget to get the password and take the quiz!

If science is your thing, come next week to hear Charles Budney, Science Office Manager, Mars Program Office. He will update the OLC on the MRL science mission. LiveChat begins at 8pm CT, with the INSPIRE Cafe open two hours earlier. No sign up needed for either. See you there next Thursday!

Discuss this blog here: http://tinyurl.com/bloginspire12