The lumpy Martian soil had refused to fall through the sieve-like screen into the ovens
Nasa solves Martian soil problem
/v3-uk/news/1990164/nasa-solves-martian-soil
11 Jun 2008, Andrew Charlesworth , V3
Nasa scientists controlling the Phoenix Mars probe have successfully solved the problem of lumpy Martian soil which has held up analysis of samples for a few days.
The scoop on the end of the robotic arm is now being used to deliver soil directly to the Thermal and Evolve-Gas Analyser, an array of ovens which heat the samples so that the gases they give off can be analysed for organic compounds.
Previously the lumpy Martian soil was refusing to fall through the sieve-like screen into the ovens.
The dirt was eventually shaken off the scoop yesterday by activating an electric rasp on the arm. This will be deployed in another sample-gathering exercise planned for later in the mission to shave ice off rocks.
Nasa has said that in future it will use the blades fitted to the scoop to chop up the soil samples before they are loaded into the instrument suite.
More soil samples are due to be gathered later this week and placed under a microscope.
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NASA not Nasa
NASA is an acronym not a proper name.
Posted by Caleb of Denver, 11 Jun 2008
NASA, National Aeronautic Space Administration
Yes this is an acronym. You are correct. But, being that it is now a well known and recognized acronym, we can say that NASA acronym is also known as Nasa a word for NASA or National Aeronautic Space Administration. Regardless of the location at the Cape, Houston, Huntsville, or any other location, we can share our knowing that on earth NASA is Nasa as well. It may be a matter of semantics but let those at The National Lexicographic Board and Webster Staff for the New American Handy College Dictionary work it out. It is not listed in the July, 2006 edition. Hope this will assist the one who created this blog.
Posted by Theresa J. Thurmond Morris, 17 Jun 2008