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.
Errors in Viking Lander Atmospheric Profiles Discovered Using MOLA Topography
2002-04-01
Conference paper
No indication
English
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