Mercury is a key component of the solar system, which is subsequent to the sun. As a result, locating it from earth is difficult. It is noteworthy that the objective of putting a Lander in mercury is to discover various properties of the planet. These include its diameter measured in kilometers. Additional objectives include determining the total amount of density in the planet and the lowest and maximum skin temperature.
Another objective is to determine the period it takes to complete one rotation around the sun and the distance, it covers during this rotation. Determining the temperature in the planet and comparison of the sunrays between this planet and earth is crucial. The availability of oxygen is also a subject of discovery. Finally, determining the availability of life in the planet thus organisms, which could survive is paramount (David).
When a Lander goes to the space, there are some challenges, which it has to overcome. The first challenge pertains to the daytime temperatures in mercury, which are very high i.e. 427 degrees Celsius, because of its proximity to the sun. Thus, the materials used in its construction should be heat proof to prevent damages to the equipments. An additional challenge that the Lander needs to overcome is technical breakdowns.
Thus, there should be a backup program to take care of such incidences. It is a fact that if the radiations are very high, they will end up destroying telemetries and so no data transmission from the Lander to the ground station will take place. An additional challenge that the Lander should overcome is protection of the astronaut’s health. This is imperative because their health is essential for the success of the project. It is a fact that the astronauts bear the greatest responsibility in ensuring the Lander reaches its destination safely.
Thus, it is imperative for provision of enough oxygen for the mission. This is because there is no prove for existence of oxygen in mercury. An additional challenge that the Lander should overcome is the accuracy in its operations. This includes the readings that it will be recording during the mission. It is important for the information collected to be perfect for the mission to succeed (Cain).
There are instruments that the Lander posses to ensure it deliver the right information. These includes oxygen cylinders, telemetries, spectrometers, propellers, video and audio transmitters. Moreover, the Lander must have parachute that ensures it lands safely. One of the most important equipment that I will fit on my Lander is the “Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiters” (LRO). This is a satellite camera that takes photos of high eminence.
Telemetries will collect the data in areas within mercury that the Lander might not have access. This strategy safeguards the lives of the astronauts who will be navigating this equipment. This system will collect information using remote controlled device. Thus, astronauts will not access areas that are not safe.
The spectrometer will measure the properties of light; this in a bid to ensure the light does not damage the Landers sensors. Propellers are essential in the movement of the Lander from the earth surface and in space. It is noteworthy that I will fit the Lander with hydrogen propellers used to shoot it up the sky from the earth surface.
While in space, I will use plate propellers that will help in its movements. Video and audio transmitters will help in the conveying of information about the mission direct from the Lander. Furthermore, it will help in quick documentation of the data collected by the officials on the ground (Broyles).
Works Cited
Broyles, Robyn. The Lunar Lander Challenge. 2011. Web.
Cain, Fraser. Characteristics of Mercury. 2007. Web.
David, Leonard. Phoenix Mars Lander. 2008. Web.