The Descent into Victoria, Possible and Actual Strategies |
The Descent into Victoria, Possible and Actual Strategies |
Jun 24 2007, 06:17 AM
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#1
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Member Group: Members Posts: 233 Joined: 21-April 05 Member No.: 328 |
Here's an obvious scenario that better minds can critique: we will descend hugging the clockwise cliff but also at some safe distance from it (lest a rock should become dislodged during the next wind event or daily thermal cycle and fall on the solar panels), occasionally turning to face it (but still at some safe distance) and using the full reach of the instrument arm to RAT and take micrographs and readings.
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Jun 28 2007, 05:40 PM
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#2
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Senior Member Group: Members Posts: 3419 Joined: 9-February 04 From: Minneapolis, MN, USA Member No.: 15 |
More updates -- Steve says that the biggest concern about entering Victoria is the greater danger of failure to the drive mechanisms (wheels, steering actuators, etc.) working on the steep slopes. He reminded us that when Oppy worked in Endurance, she was a much younger rover. He flat-out stated that if we lose a wheel inside the crater, when we *know* we'll just barely be able to get out with six good wheels, we'll never get out.
Alan Stern just commented on funding -- he sort of evaded the question by simply saying that the entry into and exploration of Victoria is, for the time being, covered by the currently approved mission extension. He wouldn't go into what might be decided for later extensions. And John Callas followed that up by saying what I've stated -- as long as the MERs remain mobile, every extension is a brand-new mission and would be sold to NASA HQ as such. Leaving unspoken but very strongly implied that an immobile rover would be harder to sell for an extended mission. -the other Doug -------------------- “The trouble ain't that there is too many fools, but that the lightning ain't distributed right.” -Mark Twain
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