Steering problem stops one Mars rover
Posted: Thu, Oct 7, 2004, 3:41 PM ET (1941 GMT)
A problem with the steering system on the Mars Exploration Rover Spirit has temporarily stopped the rover from moving, project officials said this week. Relays that control steering motors for two of Spirit's six wheels failed to operate as planned on Friday, keeping the motors locked in position. Engineers are analyzing diagnostic data from the rover to determine what the problem is and how it can be corrected from the ground. If nothing else succeeds, a fuse controlling the relay could be blown, but that would prevent the steering motor from acting as a brake for the remainder of the mission. That, in turn, could increase errors in driving accuracy for the rover, although there would be ways to mitigate those problems. The problem is not related to another problem with Spiri'’s right-front wheel detected earlier this year, which affects the drive, rather than steering, motor for the wheel.
A problem with the steering system on the Mars Exploration Rover Spirit has temporarily stopped the rover from moving, project officials said this week. Relays that control steering motors for two of Spirit's six wheels failed to operate as planned on Friday, keeping the motors locked in position. Engineers are analyzing diagnostic data from the rover to determine what the problem is and how it can be corrected from the ground. If nothing else succeeds, a fuse controlling the relay could be blown, but that would prevent the steering motor from acting as a brake for the remainder of the mission. That, in turn, could increase errors in driving accuracy for the rover, although there would be ways to mitigate those problems. The problem is not related to another problem with Spiri'’s right-front wheel detected earlier this year, which affects the drive, rather than steering, motor for the wheel.
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Tuesday, October 6
Nuri rocket successfully deploys 15 satellites
Korea Times — 12:57 am ET (0457 GMT) Nuri rocket lifts off on fifth mission with 15 satellites aboard
Korea Herald — 12:57 am ET (0457 GMT) S. Korea's Nuri rocket deploys satellites into orbit in 5th mission
Yonhap News — 12:56 am ET (0456 GMT) Nuri rocket successfully launches with 15 satellites
JoongAng Daily — 12:55 am ET (0455 GMT) Nuri Rocket Lifts Off on Time in First for Korea, Space Chief Says
Seoul Economic Daily — 12:55 am ET (0455 GMT) |
