The Atmospheric Structure Instrument/Meteorology package (ASI/MET) is an engineering subsystem which acquired atmospheric information during the descent of the Mars Pathfinder lander through the atmosphere and during the entire landed mission. The instrument hardware consisted of a set of temperature, pressure and wind sensors and an electronics board for operating the sensors and digitizing their output signals. Data acquired during atmospheric entry and surface descent permitted the reconstruction of profiles of atmospheric density, temperature and pressure from altitudes in excess of 100 km to the surface.
NASA transferred this instrument to the Museum in 1999.
Display Status
This object is on display in Space Science at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA.
Object Details
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
SPACECRAFT-Uncrewed-Parts & Structural Components
Manufacturer
Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology
Dimensions
Overall: 3 3/4in. x 6in. x 3ft 8in. (9.5 x 15.2 x 111.8cm)
Materials
Metal instrument, electronics components
Inventory Number
A19990073003
Credit Line
Transferred from Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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