Telltale wind indicator for the Mars Phoenix lander

Abstract

The Telltale wind indicator is a mechanical anemometer designed to operate on the Martian surface as part of the meteorological package on the NASA Phoenix lander. It consists of a lightweight cylinder suspended by Kevlar fibers and is deflected under the action of wind. Imaging of the Telltale deflection allows the wind speed and direction to be quantified and image blur caused by its oscillations provides information about wind turbulence. The Telltale will primarily support surface operations by documenting the wind conditions to improve the efficiency of sample delivery to instruments on the lander deck. During the latter stages of the mission the Telltale investigation will focus on meteorological studies.