Back to work, Post-hiatus but pre-entry |
Back to work, Post-hiatus but pre-entry |
Aug 25 2007, 04:10 PM
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#1
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Senior Member Group: Members Posts: 4252 Joined: 17-January 05 Member No.: 152 |
I think the return to driving deserves a new topic for Oppy. According to this new release, Oppy is back up to 300 Whrs, and had a small cleaning event!
The release also gives a surprizing reason for the drive to the rim: QUOTE One reason the rover team chose to drive Opportunity closer to the crater rim was to be prepared, if the pace of dust accumulation on the solar panels increases, to drive onto the inner slope of the crater. This would give the rover a sun-facing tilt to maximize daily energy supplies. The drive was also designed to check performance of the rover's mobility system, so it included a turn in place and a short drive backwards. That explains why they drove to this point on the rim - if they enter they'll face south, as it's still southern summer.
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Sep 2 2007, 04:53 PM
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#2
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Member Group: Members Posts: 656 Joined: 20-April 05 From: League City, Texas Member No.: 285 |
I had thought that the pancam head used a lens cover and tilted to point downward when not in use. If that's the case, why the dust on the lens? Was it so dusty that the occasional pics taken were sufficient exposure for the dust to accumulate? Or am I just remembering incorrectly?
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Sep 2 2007, 05:19 PM
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#3
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Senior Member Group: Members Posts: 2517 Joined: 13-September 05 Member No.: 497 |
I had thought that the pancam head used a lens cover and tilted to point downward when not in use. AFAIK, the Pancam covers got pulled off at mast deployment and are now dangling from the head not doing anything. It's the MI that has a movable cover. The only way to limit dust on the Pancams is to point them down when not in use. -------------------- Disclaimer: This post is based on public information only. Any opinions are my own.
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