Mars rover suffers robotic arm glitch
Posted: Thu, Apr 24, 2008, 6:38 AM ET (1038 GMT)
One of the twin Mars Exploration Rovers is suffering from a problem with its robotic arm that could limit its utility, JPL announced Wednesday. A motor that controls the side-to-side motion in the shoulder joint of the arm on the rover Opportunity stalled earlier this month and is currently being studied by engineers. The motor first experienced occasional problems in late 2005, but the latest problem took placed after much less activity than previous problems, suggesting that the problem is worsening. Engineers believe the problem is electrical rather than mechanical in nature, Even if the motor could no longer operate, project officials said the robotic arm could still be used to perform "some contact science" since motors that control other joints in the arm are still working. Opportunity has been on the surface of Mars since January 2004, long exceeding its 90-day lifetime. The rover is currently just inside the rim of Victoria Crater.
One of the twin Mars Exploration Rovers is suffering from a problem with its robotic arm that could limit its utility, JPL announced Wednesday. A motor that controls the side-to-side motion in the shoulder joint of the arm on the rover Opportunity stalled earlier this month and is currently being studied by engineers. The motor first experienced occasional problems in late 2005, but the latest problem took placed after much less activity than previous problems, suggesting that the problem is worsening. Engineers believe the problem is electrical rather than mechanical in nature, Even if the motor could no longer operate, project officials said the robotic arm could still be used to perform "some contact science" since motors that control other joints in the arm are still working. Opportunity has been on the surface of Mars since January 2004, long exceeding its 90-day lifetime. The rover is currently just inside the rim of Victoria Crater.
Related Links:
| <<previous article | next article>> |
|
news in brief
|
|
House appropriators seeking alternatives to SLS EUS upper stage
Posted: Sun, Jul 27 12:52 PM ET (1652 GMT) |
|
news links
|
|
Friday, August 1
Texas-based Firefly Aerospace plans go to public
Texas Standard — 6:17 am ET (1017 GMT) Trump’s first-term space policy was great, but now he’s dropping the ball
The Hill — 6:14 am ET (1014 GMT) Poised for growth, Millennium prioritizes efficiency and capacity
Defense News — 6:14 am ET (1014 GMT) Fort Huachuca recommended for new U.S. Space Force mission
KVOA-TV Tucson — 6:13 am ET (1013 GMT) Senate’s $852 Billion Defense Budget Saves Wedgetail, Keeps Space Force Flat
Air and Space Forces Magazine — 6:13 am ET (1013 GMT) |
