CLASSIFICATION OF PROBES
Probes can be
classified on many grounds.
·
Depending on its area of operation,
probes are of three types :
Ø
A probe that operates in free space.
Ø
A probe that orbits around a planet.
Ø
A probe that lands on a planet.
·
Depending on its
method of operation, probes are of two types :
Ø
A probe that performs necessary operations on the
planet or in space and does not return.
Ø
A probe that brings back samples to earth.
·
Probes are also
classified according to their landing :
Ø Impact vehicles, those probes that do not slow down during descent or
landing.
Ø Hard landers, those probes that have special instruments, which cushion
the impact of their hard landing.
Ø Soft landers, those probes that touch down gently and thus do not
require cushions for the same.
Ø Penetrators, those probes that penetrate the surface of the planet.
TYPES OF SPACE PROBES
There are five
basic types of space probes which are sent to examine planets and other bodies
in the solar system:
1.
A fly-by
probe makes its observations as it passes a celestial body from a
distance. Fly-by missions enable a spacecraft to visit more than one object.
2.
An orbiter is
designed to park itself in a stable orbit around a particular planet or moon
for an extended period of time. An orbiter closely circling a body with a
substantial atmosphere is gradually slowed by atmospheric friction, which
causes it to lose altitude and eventually crash.
3.
An atmospheric
probe is a package of instruments that descends into the atmosphere of
a planet, taking readings on its way down. The probe continues to transmit data
until it reaches the surface or is destroyed by heat or atmospheric pressure.
4.
A lander is
designed to land safely on a planet or moon and analyze soil samples and
surface conditions.
5.
A rover is
a robot vehicle with wheels or treads that roams across the surface.
Carried to the surface by a lander, a rover has the advantage of not being
confined to one spot.
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