[bschne]

> If a contact is missed, science observations can continue without filling the recorder, and the ground can catch up on the next contact.

Total noob question but how exactly does this part work? It seems like if you record close to the 4h transmission limit of data between contacts it wouldn't be possible to catch up on next contacts and not fill up the recorder. Is it not possible to record that much data in the timeframe between contacts, or is there some safety margin in the transmission limit they state for this reason?

[ragingrobot]

That's assuming they get close to the contact transfer limit. A lot of theoretical numbers are stated. Now that it's in use, maybe we'll get some practical numbers. Perhaps they never will get near the contact data limit, so it's not to be a concern.

It's possible they don't "catch up" for a while, getting a few extra bits and pieces over the next several contacts, not just at the contact following that missed.