Mars rovers get software upgrade
Posted: Tue, Apr 13, 2004, 8:21 PM ET (0021 GMT)
Mission controllers are uploading new software to the twin Mars Exploration Rovers that should help the rovers extend their mission as late as September. The upgrades will permit the rover Spirit to navigate the rocky terrain of the Gusev Crater landing site more independently, allowing it to traverse longer distances each day as the rover tried to reach the Columbia Hills about two kilometers away. The upgrades will also put the rover Opportunity into a "deep sleep" at night, cutting electricity to a stuck heater on the spacecraft that threatened to sap the rover's batteries. The upgrades will also prevent both rovers from running into the computer memory problem that paralyzed Spirit early in its mission. Spirit has already received the software upgrade and resumed its mission Tuesday, while Opportunity will get its software upgrade this week.
Mission controllers are uploading new software to the twin Mars Exploration Rovers that should help the rovers extend their mission as late as September. The upgrades will permit the rover Spirit to navigate the rocky terrain of the Gusev Crater landing site more independently, allowing it to traverse longer distances each day as the rover tried to reach the Columbia Hills about two kilometers away. The upgrades will also put the rover Opportunity into a "deep sleep" at night, cutting electricity to a stuck heater on the spacecraft that threatened to sap the rover's batteries. The upgrades will also prevent both rovers from running into the computer memory problem that paralyzed Spirit early in its mission. Spirit has already received the software upgrade and resumed its mission Tuesday, while Opportunity will get its software upgrade this week.
Related Links:
| <<previous article | next article>> |
|
news in brief
|
|
|
|
news links
|
|
Monday, March 10
SKY Perfect JSAT Selects Thales Alenia Space to build “JSAT-32” Communications Satellite
Thales Alenia Space — 5:44 am ET (0944 GMT) Missed shots at the moon are still scores for commercial space companies
The Hill — 5:43 am ET (0943 GMT) This couple's flight was rerouted midair after the SpaceX Starship exploded. They saw flaming debris out their window.
Business Insider — 5:41 am ET (0941 GMT) China launches communication technology test satellite
Xinhua — 5:32 am ET (0932 GMT) China expands secretive satellite series with launch of TJS-15
Space News — 5:28 am ET (0928 GMT) |
