Mission name: Mars Science Laboratory
Vehicle name: Curiosity rover
Problem: Wheels wearing out on sharp rocks of Mars
Solving this problem: Watch this lecture at Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) given recently.
Mission name: Mars Science Laboratory
Vehicle name: Curiosity rover
Problem: Wheels wearing out on sharp rocks of Mars
Solving this problem: Watch this lecture at Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) given recently.
I also found it interesting to hear about the process of collecting the various parts through “contests” or bids. I imagine it helps promote very quality pieces. So much collaboration must take place then, to have all the pieces work together harmoniously!
This lecture helps to emphasize how many people, scientist, engineers, and others, are involved in a complex mission like this. I think it is a wonderful demonstration of great engineering.
Several years ago as a teacher attending a workshop at JPL we visited the Mars In Situ lab where they were testing wheel design for the twin rovers now on Mars. I often wonder how many people consider all the pieces that come together for a mission like this, even something as innocuous as the wheels.