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 25 2006, 05:13 PM
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Member Group: Members Posts: 688 Joined: 20-April 05 From: Sweden Member No.: 273 |
Every aircraft operating in the tropics has to stand thermic cycling from about +50 to -50 Celsius for every reasonably long flight. This goes on several times a day for decades and aircraft have lots of wire bundles and moving parts. So I think building mars rovers to ordinary aircraft standards and materials should probably do the trick. The main problem with thermal cycling in aircraft is condensation which causes corrosion, and this is not likely to be much of a problem on Mars.
tty |
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