How Mars Stumped NASA Engineers

The video discusses NASA's Insight mission on Mars, which has been extended due to its success. Insight's primary mission was to study Mars' internal structure using a seismometer and a heat probe called the mole. While the seismometer has been successful, detecting over 500 seismic events, the mole faced challenges due to unexpected soil conditions. Despite attempts to resolve the issue, the mole could not dig deeper. The video also highlights power challenges due to dust accumulation on solar panels and outlines future plans to manage Insight's power and continue its scientific work.

What was the primary mission of the Insight lander on Mars?

• To establish a human base on Mars

• To collect samples of Martian soil and return them to Earth

• To study the internal structure and processes of Mars

• To explore the surface of Mars for signs of life

What was the main issue faced by the mole instrument on the Insight lander?

• It was too heavy to be deployed

• It got stuck due to a lack of friction

• It was damaged during landing

• It malfunctioned due to extreme temperatures

How did scientists attempt to solve the problem with the mole instrument?

• By using a drill to dig deeper

• By heating the soil to make it softer

• By relocating the lander to a new site

• By using the robotic arm to provide friction

What significant discovery did the seismometer on Insight make about Mars?

• Mars has frequent large earthquakes

• Mars has frequent small earthquakes

• Mars has no seismic activity

• Mars' seismic activity is identical to Earth's

Why are some Martian earthquakes difficult to detect?

• They are too powerful

• They are too infrequent

• They are masked by wind vibrations

• They occur deep within the planet

What challenge does dust accumulation pose to the Insight lander?

• It damages the seismometer

• It interferes with communication signals

• It causes overheating of the lander

• It reduces the efficiency of solar panels

How can the data collected by Insight help us understand other planets?

• By providing insights into the formation of terrestrial planets

• By revealing the presence of water on Mars

• By showing evidence of life on Mars

• By mapping the surface of Mars