New MSL and MER comparison Image from JPL, Setting Expectations for Future Generations |
New MSL and MER comparison Image from JPL, Setting Expectations for Future Generations |
Mar 21 2006, 11:39 PM
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Member Group: Members Posts: 548 Joined: 19-March 05 From: Princeton, NJ, USA Member No.: 212 |
A revealing new comparison image of MSL and MER
The JPL caption and article are below This artist's concept shows that the next generation rover, Mars Science Laboratory, is much larger than Spirit and Opportunity. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech Setting Expectations for Future Generations That's important, because the rovers depend on sun intake for their health. Like many boomers, they will be seeking the sunniest places to face winter, which is once again approaching on Mars. Having already lasted over a martian year - almost nine times longer than planned! - no one is sure just how much longer they will last. "Once the rovers stop working, I'll miss seeing new pictures every day, but since I don't consider myself ancient, I hope to work on the Mars Science Laboratory mission after the rovers die," smiles Matijevic. And, as new generations of rovers continue driving faster and farther on Mars, future generations of astronauts--perhaps the grandchildren of today's Baby Boomers--will begin to head farther away from Earth. On the horizon is a whole new era for a human-robotic partnership, with the young-at-heart rovers raising the bar for all who follow. |
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Mar 22 2006, 02:14 PM
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Founder Group: Chairman Posts: 14433 Joined: 8-February 04 Member No.: 1 |
When you've got yay-kW of heat sitting on the back of your rover, I suppose your could pipe it around to keep everything nice and toasty
Doug |
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Mar 22 2006, 02:24 PM
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#3
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Member Group: Members Posts: 154 Joined: 17-March 05 Member No.: 206 |
When you've got yay-kW of heat sitting on the back of your rover, I suppose your could pipe it around to keep everything nice and toasty Doug Strange that this illustration of MSL (and many others), do not show the RTG off the back. It's almost like they do not want to draw too much attention to it. Mmmmmm... |
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Mar 22 2006, 02:38 PM
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#4
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Member Group: Members Posts: 510 Joined: 17-March 05 From: Southeast Michigan Member No.: 209 |
Strange that this illustration of MSL (and many others), do not show the RTG off the back. ...and I figure the lack of solar panels in the image is a graphic form of Pig Latin from JPL- "Oweredpay ybay RTGay. On'tday elltay ethay ublicpay". -------------------- --O'Dave
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