Bernese Mars Camera Captures First European Image of InSight Lander
The ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter's CaSSIS camera has captured the first image of NASA's InSight lander on Mars, showcasing its capabilities and supporting future missions.
The European Space Agency's ExoMars mission, in collaboration with Roskosmos, has achieved a significant milestone with the Trace Gas Orbiter (TGO) capturing the first image of NASA's InSight lander on Mars. The image, taken by the Colour and Stereo Surface Imaging System (CaSSIS), marks a major achievement for the European instrument, which was developed by an international team led by Prof. Nicolas Thomas of the University of Bern.
The TGO, launched in 2016, has been instrumental in studying trace gases like methane on Mars and will support the upcoming ExoMars rover, Rosalind Franklin, scheduled for launch in 2020. The image of InSight, captured on 2 March 2019, shows the lander as a bright dot in a dark patch created by its retro rockets during descent in the Elysium Planitia region. The heat shield and backshell are also visible, providing valuable context about the landing process.
CaSSIS's ability to capture such detailed images will aid the InSight mission by helping to locate potential meteorite impact sites, which could provide insights into Mars' internal structure. The camera's role as a data relay for InSight meant that capturing the image required precise timing, as the team had to wait for the landing site to pass directly under the TGO.
In addition to the InSight image, a collection of high-resolution images from CaSSIS highlights the instrument's scientific potential. These include detailed views of polar layered deposits, dynamic dunes, and the effects of dust devils. The images, produced by teams from the University of Bern, the University of Arizona, and INAF-Padova, offer new perspectives on Mars' geology and surface processes.
ESA's TGO project scientist, Håkan Svedhem, praised the images, noting that they demonstrate the mission's ability to investigate dynamic surface processes and support future landing sites. With its advanced imaging capabilities, CaSSIS is set to play a crucial role in understanding Mars' environment and supporting upcoming exploration efforts.
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