A Space & astronomy forum. SpaceBanter.com

Go Back   Home » SpaceBanter.com forum » Space Science » News
Site Map Home Authors List Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read Web Partners

Computer Modeling Supplements Dusty Testing (MER)



 
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old September 15th 09, 08:37 PM posted to sci.space.news
ron
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 269
Default Computer Modeling Supplements Dusty Testing (MER)

http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/news.cfm?release=2009-140

Computer Modeling Supplements Dusty Testing
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
September 14, 2009

Tests on Earth simulating Spirit's predicament on Mars have reinforced
understanding that getting Spirit to rove again will be very
difficult.

To supplement the tests at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in
Pasadena,
Calif., the rover team is refining a detailed computer model of rover
mobility, calibrated with results from testing and measurements from
Mars.

"The computer modeling will allow us to connect the results from tests
performed in Earth gravity with what to expect from the rover in Mars
gravity," said JPL's John Callas, project manager for Spirit and its
twin, Opportunity.

Spirit became embedded in soft soil at a site called "Troy" in early
May, more than five years into a mission on Mars that was originally
scheduled to last for three months. The rover team suspended further
driving attempts with Spirit while evaluating possibilities from tests
performed at JPL simulating the Troy situation.

An additional round of testing was added to the September schedule to
gain more detailed assessment of how to move Spirit while avoiding
putting the rover's center of gravity directly over a rock that is
touching or nearly touching the rover's underbelly. Other added tests
are using a lighter-weight test rover than the one used for most of
the
testing this summer. A complete "dress rehearsal" test of the
extrication strategy judged to hold the best chance of success is
planned in the test setup at JPL before the team commands Spirit to
begin driving. That test and subsequent review of its results are
expected to take several weeks. Moves by Spirit will not begin before
October, according to current plans.

"We are proceeding very cautiously and exploring all reasonable
options," Callas said. "There is a very real possibility that Spirit
may
not be able to get out, and we want to give Spirit the very best
chance."

A dust storm that had reduced the electrical output from Spirit's
solar
panels by nearly half during late August still has some lingering
effects on the skies above Spirit.

For more updates, please visit the Free Spirit site:
http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/freespirit/


 




Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

vB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Call for Papers: WORLDCOMP'07: conferences in computer science & computer engineering, USA A. M. G. Solo Astronomy Misc 0 January 25th 07 12:55 PM
Call For Papers: WORLDCOMP'07: conferences in computer science & computer engineering, USA A. M. G. Solo Research 0 January 17th 07 04:56 PM
Call For Papers/Sessions: WORLDCOMP'07: multiple int'l. conferences in computer science & computer engineering, USA A. M. G. Solo Astronomy Misc 0 December 8th 06 02:29 AM
WORLDCOMP'07: Call For Papers/Sessions--multiple int'l. conferences in computer science & computer engineering, USA A. M. G. Solo (do not reply to this email address) Astronomy Misc 0 November 9th 06 11:06 PM


All times are GMT +1. The time now is 10:13 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.6.4
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Copyright ©2004-2024 SpaceBanter.com.
The comments are property of their posters.