Mars Global Surveyor
Mars Orbiter Camera
Polar Features
MGS MOC Release No. MOC2-1314, 17 December 2005
NASA/JPL/Malin Space Science Systems |
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NASA/JPL/Malin Space Science Systems |
| This Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) Mars Orbiter Camera (MOC) image shows a frost-covered surface in the south polar region. The substrate beneath the frost is cracked, and seasonal frost surrounding each crack has begun to sublime away, creating a distinct pattern of dark streaks in this September 2005 scene. |
| Location near: 85.3°S, 288.4°W |
| Image width: ~3 km (~1.9 mi) |
| Illumination from: upper left |
| Season: Southern Summer |
Malin Space Science Systems and the California Institute of Technology built the MOC using spare hardware from the Mars Observer mission. MSSS operates the camera from its facilities in San Diego, California. The Jet Propulsion Laboratory's Mars Surveyor Operations Project operates the Mars Global Surveyor spacecraft with its industrial partner, Lockheed Martin Astronautics, from facilities in Pasadena, California and Denver, Colorado.
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