E.P. Grondine wrote:
First, does anyone know how long Mars Global Surveyor will operate for?

Alex writes:
For as long as the spacecraft lasts, and more importantly, for as long as mission extensions are approved and funded by NASA. Currently, MGS extended mission operations are in effect to support the 2003 MER mission, including data relay during EDL (and possibly from the rovers) through the MGS Mars Relay.

E.P. Grondine wrote:
Second, why so few color images from Mars Global Surveyor?

Alex writes:
Probably because the MGS Mars Orbiter Camera investigation consists of a narrow angle black and white system, and two wide angle cameras (one operating with a blue bandpass; the other with a red bandpass). Presumably, you are referring to true color, which must be synthesized from the red and blue channels of MOC WA.

E.P. Grondine wrote:
Third, were any of the imaging instruments on any of the platforms actually calibrated against geological features on Earth?

Alex writes:
Do you mean pre-launch or post-launch?

E.P. Grondine wrote:
Fourth, is any search on for the youngest crater on Mars?

Alex writes:
Given that the MOC NA system will, at best, only cover ~1% of the Martian surface at meter-scales, a "search...for the youngest crater," whatever that means, and especially without datable samples, would be practically meaningless.

E.P. Grondine wrote:
Fifth, is any of the data from all of the platforms available in easy to use consolidated datasets?

Alex writes:
It all depends on your definition "easy to use [sic]." The standard archive products in the PDS are, for some, easy-to-use data.

Alex R. Blackwell
University of Hawaii