• Curiosity - Touchdown Confirmed!
    617 replies, posted
[QUOTE]The Curiosity rover has a mass of 900 kg (2,000 lb) including 80 kg (180 lb) of scientific instruments, by the time it landed on the surface of Mars.[13] [B]Dimensions[/B]: The rover is 3 m (9.8 ft) in length, much larger than the Mars Exploration Rovers, which have a length of 1.5 m (4.9 ft) and a mass of 174 kg (380 lb) including 6.8 kg (15 lb) of scientific instruments.[13][34][35] [B]Speed[/B]: Once on the surface, Curiosity will be able to roll over obstacles approaching 75 cm (30 in) in height. Maximum terrain-traverse speed is estimated to be 90 m (300 ft) per hour by automatic navigation; average traverse speeds will likely be about 30 m (98 ft) per hour, based on variables including power levels, terrain difficulty, slippage, and visibility. MSL is expected to traverse a minimum of 19 km (12 mi) in its two-year mission.[36] [B]Power source[/B]: Curiosity is powered by a radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG), like the successful Viking 1 and Viking 2 Mars landers in 1976.[37][38] Radioisotope power systems (RPSs) are generators that produce electricity from the natural decay of plutonium-238, which is a non-fissile isotope of plutonium. Heat given off by the natural decay of this isotope is converted into electricity, providing constant power during all seasons and through the day and night, and waste heat can be used via pipes to warm systems, freeing electrical power for the operation of the vehicle and instruments.[37][38] Curiosity's RTG is fueled by 4.8 kg (11 lb) of plutonium-238 dioxide supplied by the U.S. Department of Energy,[39] packed in 32 pellets each about the size of a marshmallow.[13] Curiosity's power generator is the latest RTG generation built by Boeing, called the "Multi-Mission Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator" or MMRTG.[40] Based on classical RTG technology, it represents a more flexible and compact development step,[40] and is designed to produce 125 watts of electrical power from about 2000 watts of thermal power at the start of the mission.[37][38] The MMRTG produces less power over time as its plutonium fuel decays: at its minimum lifetime of 14 years, electrical power output is down to 100 watts.[41][42] The MSL will generate 2.5 kilowatt hours per day, much more than the Mars Exploration Rovers, which can generate about 0.6 kilowatt hours per day. [B]Heat rejection system[/B]: The temperatures in the potential areas at which Curiosity may land can vary from +30 to &#8722;127 °C (+86 °F to &#8722;197 °F). Therefore, the heat rejection system (HRS) uses fluid pumped through 60 m (200 ft) of tubing in the MSL body so that sensitive components are kept at optimal temperatures.[43] Other methods of heating the internal components include using radiated heat generated from the components in the craft itself, as well as excess heat from the MMRTG unit. The HRS also has the ability to cool components if necessary.[43] [B]Computers[/B]: The two identical on-board rover computers, called "Rover Compute Element" (RCE), contain radiation-hardened memory to tolerate the extreme radiation from space and to safeguard against power-off cycles. Each computer's memory includes 256 KB of EEPROM, 256 MB of DRAM, and 2 GB of flash memory.[44] This compares to 3 MB of EEPROM, 128 MB of DRAM, and 256 MB of flash memory used in the Mars Exploration Rovers.[45] The RCE computers use the RAD750 CPU, which is a successor to the RAD6000 CPU used in the Mars Exploration Rovers.[46][47] The RAD750 CPU is capable of up to 400 MIPS, while the RAD6000 CPU is capable of up to 35 MIPS.[48][49] Of the two on-board computers, one is configured as backup, and will take over in the event of problems with the main computer.[44] The rover has an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) that provides 3-axis information on its position, which is used in rover navigation.[44] The rover's computers are constantly self-monitoring to keep the rover operational, such as by regulating the rover's temperature.[44] Activities such as taking pictures, driving, and operating the instruments are performed in a command sequence that is sent from the flight team to the rover.[44] See also: Comparison of embedded computer systems on board the Mars rovers [B]Communications[/B]: Curiosity has two means of communication – an X band transmitter and receiver that can communicate directly with Earth, and a UHF Electra-Lite software-defined radio for communicating with Mars orbiters. Communication with orbiters is expected to be the main path for data return to Earth, since the orbiters have both more power and larger antennas than the lander.[50] At landing, telemetry will be monitored by the Mars Odyssey satellite, Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter and ESA's Mars Express. Odyssey is capable of relaying UHF telemetry back to Earth in real time, which will take 13:46 minutes.[51][52] [B]Mobility systems[/B]: Like previous rovers Mars Exploration Rovers and Mars Pathfinder, Curiosity is equipped with 6 wheels in a rocker-bogie suspension. The suspension system will also serve as landing gear for the vehicle, unlike its smaller predecessors.[53] Curiosity's wheels are significantly larger than those used on previous rovers. [B][U]Each wheel has a pattern that helps it maintain traction but also leaves patterned tracks in the sandy surface of Mars. That pattern is used by on-board cameras to judge the distance traveled. The pattern itself is Morse code for "JPL"[/U][/B] <- [I]AWESOME[/I][/QUOTE] Just a bit of extra info. Also, holy shit the computers are wayyyy more powerful. Its nearly 6 times faster in MIPs alone. This should allow it to be more mobile and "intelligent". So excited for the coming months, and with luck, years now stop the political bullshit you silly fucks
[QUOTE=NightmareXx;37101395]hey be quiet we put a robot on MARS[/QUOTE] The human race, yes. But I'm done with this, this isn't a time to argue.
So when do they deploy the camera boom? I can't wait to see color HD photos. Not to even mention VIDEO.
[QUOTE=OvB;37101418]So when do they deploy the camera boom? I can't wait to see color HD photos. Not to even mention VIDEO.[/QUOTE] 10 FPS HD video yay!
-Snip- discussion over, don't want to contribute.
[QUOTE=Falubii;37101406]The human race, yes. But I'm done with this, this isn't a time to argue.[/QUOTE] if you want to put that logic on it, the human race has also commited every single travesty ever you can't pick and choose with this flawed morality system of yours america as a country has put the rover on a planet 35000000+ miles away
Also, I don't know, but we should be getting more data when it can see Odyssey again. [editline]6th August 2012[/editline] [QUOTE=Lord of Ears;37101429]if you want to put that logic on it, the human race has also commited every single travesty ever[/QUOTE] Uh yes we have, and hopefully we can continue to grow into a better species and better people by looking at it and learning from it.
[QUOTE=LarparNar;37101430]Also, I don't know, but we should be getting more data when it can see Odyssey again. [editline]6th August 2012[/editline] Uh yes we have, and hopefully we can continue to grow into a better species and better people by looking at it and learning from it.[/QUOTE] Do you know how fast Odyssey orbits?
[QUOTE=OvB;37101445]Do you know how fast Odyssey orbits?[/QUOTE] Nope. I think it will be in range in about an hour, from what I heard yesterday.
[QUOTE=OvB;37101445]Do you know how fast Odyssey orbits?[/QUOTE] its somewhere to 5-7 hours away, I vaguely remember the cartoon video discussing its communication timings
yay awkward question period time!
Questions from the news media now, so I suppose we'll find out when we get more data from it.
NASA is actually pretty open to foreign contributions. There's a good chance that there are people who worked on this, maybe some vital parts, who weren't American. I think that's why NASA can do things that nobody else can, they're not scared to get help from the best people they can get hold of. Sadly there are people who don't see why this is a good thing.
Oh my that question is relevant.
Spanish built the antenna. THERE CAN WE SHUT UP NOW?
[QUOTE=OvB;37101525]Spanish built the antenna. THERE CAN WE SHUT UP NOW?[/QUOTE] Do all the transmissions come in Spanish?
[QUOTE=Lord of Ears;37101245]curiosity is an american project, under american lead, staffed by american scientists, built on american soil, and funded by american dollars[/QUOTE] I think that's a bit selfish. Many of the instruments were European. To put it in perspective, it would be the same to claim that the Higgs boson discovery is purely European, because CERN is a European project, under European lead, staffed by European scientists, built on European soil, and funded by European taxpayers. Be happy that others are proud over your nation's project.
Next Odyssey pass in 25 minutes they say!
About 25 minutes until next Odyssey pass. Ninjas :C
[QUOTE=Swebonny;37101552]I think that's a bit selfish. Many of the instruments were European. To put it in perspective, it would be the same to claim that the Higgs boson discovery is purely European, because CERN is a European project, under European lead, staffed by European scientists, built on European soil, and funded by European taxpayers. Be happy that others are proud over your nation's project.[/QUOTE] really, that's grossly inaccurate
More pictures in approximately 25 minutes. Sweet.
-hehe snip-
I'm rating myself late now. [editline]6th August 2012[/editline] ninja'd by a snip
[QUOTE=Lord of Ears;37101580]really, that's grossly inaccurate[/QUOTE] Good, now take a look on your own post I quoted. [editline]6th August 2012[/editline] perspectives, see
[QUOTE=Swebonny;37101630]Good, now take a look on your own post I quoted. [editline]6th August 2012[/editline] perspectives, see[/QUOTE] I feel silly telling you to do this, and I'm not exactly the right person to say this, but maybe we could just let it go now?
[QUOTE=Swebonny;37101630]Good, now take a look on your own post I quoted. [editline]6th August 2012[/editline] perspectives, see[/QUOTE] i'm done and you're reviving a dead argument
[QUOTE=LarparNar;37101646]I feel silly telling you to do this, and I'm not exactly the right person to say this, but maybe we could just let it go now?[/QUOTE] You're right. :v: Back on topic, will they broadcast back video from that high definition video camera? In that case, when?
My last statement on the subject: Hey did you know that when we landed on the moon they were debating placing a UN Flag rather than an American flag? But they opted for the American flag, while bringing many other nation flags along with them. [quote]In January of 1969, President Richard M. Nixon's inaugural address stressed the international flavor of the Apollo program. "As we explore the reaches of space, let us go to the new worlds together -- not as new worlds to be conquered, but as a new adventure to be shared." NASA officials noted the tone of the speech, and [b]there was some discussion within the agency that a United Nations flag could be used for the flight.[/b] (footnote 5) This was one of the possibilities considered by the Committee on Symbolic Activities for the First Lunar Landing, which was appointed by Thomas O. Paine, NASA Acting Administrator, on February 25 of that year.... The committee's report recommended using only the flag of the United States during the lunar extravehicular activity (EVA). In addition, the committee suggested that a plaque bearing an inscription ([b]"Here men from the planet Earth first set foot upon the moon July 1969, A.D. We came in peace for all mankind"[/b]) be mounted on the lunar module to emphasize that the purpose of the mission was one of exploration and not conquest. [b]The original plaque design featured a U.S. flag, but the graphic was changed to pictures of the eastern and western hemispheres[/b] of the Earth to symbolize the crew's point of origin. It was decided that, in addition to the large flag, 4 x 6 inch flags of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. territories, [b]and flags for all member countries of the United Nations and several other nations[/b], would be carried in the lunar module and returned for presentation to governors and heads of state after the flight[/quote] There's nothing wrong with being proud that America did this. Yes, it probably couldn't have been done without the major contribution that the United States footed. But it is an achievement for all of us and we should all be equally happy and proud for this moment in the history of our species. [editline]6th August 2012[/editline] It appears the argument ended while I was typing that. I hope I don't relight the match.
[QUOTE=OvB;37101698]My last statement on the subject: Hey did you know that when we landed on the moon they were debating placing a UN Flag rather than an American flag? But they opted for the American flag, while bringing many other nation flags along with them. There's nothing wrong with being proud that America did this. Yes, it probably couldn't have been done without the major contribution that the United States footed. But it is an achievement for all of us and we should all be equally happy and proud for this moment in the history of our species. [editline]6th August 2012[/editline] It apears the argument ended while I was typing that. I hope I don't relight the match.[/QUOTE] I want my face drawn on the moon :downs:
[QUOTE=DrKinkyKinkles;37099751]What will happen to the size comparison objects during entry? I'm curious. [img]http://puu.sh/P2qf.png[/img][/QUOTE] Do we have confirmation the Bus survival?
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