Interpretation and Summary
1
Interpretation of Images and Summary
Professor Mark Sims
and Dr. Jim Clemmet
Space Research Centre
University of Leicester
On Behalf of the Beagle 2 Consortium
Some information contained within this presentation is Confidential & Proprietary to the Beagle 2 Consortium
It may not be copied whole or in part except with prior written permission from the Beagle 2 Mission Manager and Dr. Judith Pillinger (Open University)
Interpretation and Summary
2
Entry, Descent and Landing
Original Image Courtesy
Martin Baker
Interpretation and Summary
3
Why Do We Believe It Is Beagle 2?







Number of discrete elements
Expected sizes and shapes (and “height” for Lander)
Expected “sequence” in terms of relative positions
Expected dispersion (separation)
Expected colour
Expected place
“Glint” effect on lander target, change with Sun angle
Interpretation and Summary
4
What Should One See?
Lander √√
 Rear Cover and Pilot Chute √
 Parachute ?
 Airbags ?? (1of 3?)
=> Combination, Separation, etc. = Beagle 2

Key: √√ very good evidence √ good evidence, ? reasonable/possible
evidence, ?? inferred or questionable evidence
Note: Lander image is at a different scale
Interpretation and Summary
5
Possible Interpretation of Lander Image: I
Solar Panel
Lid
Solar Panel
Base
CAD Model of Beagle 2 scaled to fit
image pixel size and over laid for a
visual best fit on image
Sharpened Image Courtesy Tim Parker JPL/NASA: Overlay Beagle 2
Interpretation and Summary
6
Possible Interpretation of Lander Image: II
Airbag?
Solar Panel
Lid
Solar Panel
Base
Sharpened Image Courtesy Tim Parker JPL/NASA: Overlay Beagle 2
Interpretation and Summary
7
Possible Interpretation of Lander Image: III
Sharpened Image Courtesy Tim Parker JPL/NASA: Overlay Beagle 2
Interpretation and Summary
8
Possible Interpretation of Lander Image: IV
Base
Solar Panel
Solar Panel
Lid
Solar Panel
Colour Image Courtesy Tim Parker JPL/NASA. Overlay Beagle 2
Interpretation and Summary
9
Summary: Interpretation of Lander Image





Imaging data is consistent with only partial deployment
Base and lid opened
One or more panels, maximum 3, deployed
Can’t be reactivated if antenna covered
Further imaging and analysis required
Interpretation and Summary
10
What Does It Mean?
Beagle 2 successfully entered atmosphere
 EDL Worked
 Lander Software Started
 Lander Deployment Started But Didn’t Finish
 Reason ? TBD Long List: Airbag in close proximity,…
 Most probably a “bad luck” scenario e.g. hard landing, less
dense atmosphere, distorted structure, punctured airbag, ….
 Beagle 2 is on Mars! And isn’t lost

Interpretation and Summary
11
Beagle 2 Success (S) or Failure (F)?
UK and ESA landed on Mars in 2003 (S)
 Beagle 2 successfully entered atmosphere (S)
Beagle 2 EDL system worked. An engineering success! (S)
 Beagle 2 Lander didn’t fully deploy (F)
 Innovative Project Academia and Industry, UK led (S)
 Inspired many people (children, general public, scientists) (S)
 Trained a generation of scientists and engineers in planetary science and
engineering
 Led indirectly to UK involvement in ESA’s Aurora Programme and ExoMars (S)
 Lessons and experience from Beagle 2 being used in ExoMars and other Mars
Missions (S)
 Didn’t communicate after landing (F)
 Didn’t provide science from surface (F)

Interpretation and Summary
12
Summary/Next Steps
More Imaging of Beagle 2 to confirm and try to narrow down scenario
UK will and can go back to Mars and participate in the exploration of Space
and the search for Life elsewhere (many opportunities)
UK can do innovative science and engineering in Space
Space science can be used to inspire the next generation of children, scientists
and engineers and train them
Follow-up Meeting
Interpretation and Summary
13
Beagle 2 Follow-Up Meeting
A “Beagle 2 12 years after launch” meeting is being planned for 2nd
June 2015 to further discuss Beagle 2 and image data from Mars
All members of the Beagle 2 Consortium plus others will be invited
Location is probably Open University but this is TBC