March 14, 2003

Today was Pi Day! 1:59:15 PM

The LA Times (reg. required) looks at the conflict between engineers and geologists in determining the landing sites for the pair of Mars landers, to be launched in May and June. The problem is that the most interesting sites are also the most dangerous. While rocks and rugged ground may provide more scientific information than flat areas, the lander could be damaged during the landing. Could they aim the first lander at a safe site and if it lands successfully, aim the second at a rougher but potentially more interesting one? Or would this plan be too much of a risk? 11:58:12 PM