In July of 2023, HiRISE experienced a sudden failure of one of the central red CCDs. This loss introduced a gap in the center of the processed image products, including the loss of half of the central color swath. The remaining color field of view is off-center, which is not optimal for imaging many of the very small surface features that HiRISE typically targets.

HiRISE uses HiPlan, an in-house-built extension of the MRO project’s customized version of the Java Mission-planning and Analysis for Remote Sensing (JMARS), as its primary image planning software. Due to the rapid cadence of MRO science operations planning, quick updates to HiPlan after the loss of the CCD were essential for resuming operations. In response to the need to rapidly and accurately provide offset image centers for ongoing planning cycles, we have created a new application for the HiPlan suite to ingest files of partially-planned images, identify the images that require a shift in center coordinates, and apply the coordinate shift in updated files, using the JMARS implementation of the JPL NAIF SPICE toolkit. We have also updated additional applications and procedures for the HiRISE science team and operations personnel to manage the offset targets, with minimum by-hand manipulations to avoid introducing errors.

Our response to the changing instrument conditions is focused on streamlining the incorporation of additional complications for the science operations engineers while maintaining scientific capability, and building in flexibility for future changes in operations procedure.