Each Viking lander measured a topographic profile during entry. Comparing to MOLA (Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter), we find a vertical error of 1-2 km in the Viking trajectory. This introduces a systematic error of 10-20% in the Viking densities and pressures at a given altitude. Additional information is contained in the original extended abstract.


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    Title :

    Errors in Viking Lander Atmospheric Profiles Discovered Using MOLA Topography


    Contributors:


    Publication date :

    2002-04-01


    Type of media :

    Conference paper


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English




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