Monday, December 30, 2013

New OS on Curiosity Allows Controllers to Check for Possible Problems

 


NASA has installed a new operating system on the Mars Rover Curiosity.  This upgrade addresses glitches and allow expansion of old and add new capabilities.   One of the new abilities is to do detailed examination of different systems on the rover.  Of interest of late is how the Martian soil is affecting  Curiosity's wheels.  The rover's wheels are very robust, however knowing how fast they are wearing down will weigh on future courses.      

It should also be noted that this is not the first upgrade for the rover but its' third.  Testing the new upgrade and sending Curiosity on short drives to see how much a recent trip over an area containing sharp rocks may have impacted the wheels.  The rover will begin normal operation shortly there after but hereafter routes with smoother terrain will be explored if available in a hope of minimizing future wear and tear.  

Thanks to Xnewsman for the update

Check out the Space Reporter HERE

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