Instrument and Mechanical Status Approaching Sol 2000 Options

[stewjack]

Jay, I would imagine cost was involved.

I've heard that it was a spare transmitter from the MER program.

Just in case someone wants to criticize the above action -

Imagine that if you spend a million more on a space program that your grandparents will die one year earlier. I have no knowledge of the truth of that statement, but I am quite certain that over a short time span society has only a finite amount of resources, and money is more than symbolically related to societies resources.

IMO: MER has got a lot of "bang for the buck," and even saved MRO money.

Jack

[nprev]

One problem we have on Spirit, is the IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit). The IMU has gyros and accelerometers. There seems to be about 4 degrees difference between the gyros and the accelerometer data. It seems that the accelerometers are OK ut gyros are off.

That's extremely interesting; could somebody provide more details on this problem & the MER IMUs, if possible?

Most IMUs I've dealt with have 3 accelerometers & 3 gyros mounted on a single platform that aligns to local vertical prior to use. A significant angular offset of any of these components would almost have to mean that it was whacked out of its original position somehow...but, don't know how these particular IMUs are built.

[climber]

I guess that computers are both ok. Any issues on heaters or other critical but "less" mechanical parts?