The European spacecraft came in too fast to land on the surface of Mars because of an error in estimating the density of the atmosphere. "Spirit" was also in similar danger but its braking mechanisms saved it
Imaging of Beagle-2. His remains may have been found
The European space vehicle "Beagle-2" crashed at the end of December on the Martian soil, probably because of too fast an entry into the landing. British scientists estimated that due to an error in the calculations, the planet's atmosphere was less dense than expected and therefore the entry of the spacecraft was too fast and the parachutes and airbags did not open in time to soften its landing.
It was reported today that the American space agency, NASA, announced after the "Spirit" landing that the density of the atmosphere was lower than its scientists had estimated, but the space vehicle still managed to land safely. The error in the calculations was explained by a dust storm on Mars that heated the atmosphere. Spirit probably survived thanks to a number of landing softening mechanisms that enveloped it. In preparation for the landing of its twin brother, "Operationati, the calculations were changed to avoid the risk of a crash.
The Royal Science Conference also reported the detection of bright spots on the surface of the planet, which are believed to be fragments of the space vehicle or its parachutes. The scientists examine the images to check whether they are not just reflections. The head of the British task force expressed doubts about the fact that these are the remains of the spacecraft.
