Discover the scientific instruments on InSight by clicking on the numbers.

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Instruments on Mars Landing Pad Solar Panels Heat Flow Probe (HP3) SEIS
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Landing Pad

All equipment are securely stowed on the landing pad during transport. A landing arm will lift and deploy the instruments. The pad also houses the electronics, storage and communications equipment.

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Solar Panels

Two solar panels will provide sufficient power to operate the lander throughout one full martian year (687 days). Accumulating dust on the panels mean there will be insufficient power to continue indefinitely.

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Heat Flow Probe (HP3)

The HP3 experiment records the heat flow on Mars. A 5 m deep heat flow probe will self-penetrate the surface in order to monitor the heat flux of the planet.

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SEIS

The seismometer apparatus consists of broadband triaxial sensor as well as a MEMS accelerometer to provide improved recording at high frequencies. Combined, these sensors should be able to record signals similar to high quality seismic stations on earth. A tether connects the sensor to the landing deck. A wind and thermal shield will be place over the sensors to insulate them from the environment and dramatically reduce the noise.

Seismometer