Wind reconstruction algorithm for Viking Lander 1

Abstract. The wind measurement sensors of Viking Lander 1 (VL1) were only fully operational for the first 45 solsof the mission. We have developed an algorithm for reconstructing the wind measurement data after the wind measurement sensor failures. The algorithm for wind reconstruction enables the processing of wind data during the complete VL1 mission. The heater element of the quadrant sensor, which provided auxiliary measurement for wind direction, failed during the 45th solof the VL1 mission. Additionally, one of the wind sensors of VL1 broke down during sol378. Regardless of the failures, it was still possible to reconstruct the wind measurement data, because the failed components of the sensors did not prevent the determination of the wind directionand speed, as some of the components of the wind measurement setup remained intact for the complete mission. This article concentrates on presenting the wind reconstruction algorithm and methods for validating the operation of the algorithm. The algorithm enables the reconstruction of wind measurements for the complete VL1 mission. The amount of available solsis extended from 350 to 2245 sols.