How big is Beagle 2?
The Beagle 2 probe (during the cruise phase, from Mars Express
to Mars) is small: the maximum depth at its middle is 532mm (21 inches) and
the minimum at its edges is 304mm (12 inches). At its widest point it is
924mm (36 inches) in diameter and 372mm (15 inches) at the narrowest.
Once Beagle 2 disposes of its outer shell and heat shields and
only the lander remains, it is about 660mm (26 inches) - the size of an
average bicycle wheel - in diameter and 119mm (5 inches) deep at the centre.
With its solar panels unfurled, Beagle expands to about 1900mm across (75
inches).
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How much does Beagle 2 weigh?
The packed probe on Earth weighs 68.84kg (about 10.5 stone).
The lander inside (i.e. minus the heat shields, parachutes, airbags etc)
weighs 33.2kg (about 5 stone 3lbs). Of this, 9kg (about 1 stone 5lbs) is
taken up by the science package.
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How will you get the samples back?
Beagle 2 will not return home. It carries out all its analysis
of rocks, soil and the atmosphere in-situ on Mars, controlled remotely from
Earth.
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