Tag Archives: rover wheels

Curiosity update: On the road again

Posted on January 18, 2019 by rburnham

Sols 2293-94, January 17, 2019, update by MSL scientist Michelle Minitti: It has been a productive stay at the “Rock Hall” drill site. The number and diversity of analyses performed on the drill target and drilled sample itself – mineralogy … Continue reading →

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Curiosity update: New method of wheel imaging

Posted on July 19, 2018 by rburnham

Sol 2115, July 18, 2018, update by MSL scientist Ken Herkenhoff: The priorities for Sol 2115 are to image the rover’s wheels and acquire the images needed to plan a drive back to the Sol 1999 location, where we might … Continue reading →

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Curiosity update: The rocks vs. stone cold aluminum wheels

Posted on April 24, 2018 by rburnham

Sols 2032-33, April 23, 2018, update by MSL scientist Abigail Fraeman: Curiosity drove a little over 16 m to the west this weekend. The rover is currently skirting around the southern edge of a small, blocky impact crater on its … Continue reading →

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Algorithm helps protect Curiosity’s wheels

Posted on June 29, 2017 by rburnham

There are no mechanics on Mars, so the next best thing for NASA’s Curiosity rover is careful driving. A new algorithm is helping the rover do just that. The software, referred to as traction control, adjusts the speed of Curiosity’s … Continue reading →

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Curiosity’s metal wheel treads show breaks

Posted on March 21, 2017 by rburnham

A routine check of the aluminum wheels on NASA’s Curiosity Mars rover has found two small breaks on the rover’s left middle wheel-the latest sign of wear and tear as the rover continues its journey, now approaching the 10-mile (16 … Continue reading →

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Curiosity: And check the tires, please

Posted on June 24, 2016 by rburnham

Sol 1380, June 24, 2016. The Mars Hand Lens Imager (MAHLI), fresh from shooting a scenic view, switches to another of its roles: checking the state of wear on the wheels. Right side above, left side below; click either image … Continue reading →

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Crossing rugged Naukluft Plateau

Posted on April 27, 2016 by rburnham

NASA’s Curiosity Mars rover has nearly finished crossing a stretch of the most rugged and difficult-to-navigate terrain encountered during the mission’s 44 months on Mars. (…) The roughness of the terrain on the plateau raised concern that driving on it … Continue reading →

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Curiosity update: Full MAHLI wheel imaging

Posted on April 16, 2016 by rburnham

Sols 1313-15, April 15, 2016, update from USGS scientist Ken Herkenhoff: Tactical planning was a bit hectic today as we reacted to yesterday’s change in the near-term science goals, but the team quickly determined what is feasible and put together … Continue reading →

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Curiosity: Time for a wheel-check

Posted on January 6, 2016 by rburnham

Sol 1214, January 5, 2016. The MAHLI performs its periodic pit-stop duty, surveying the rover’s wheels. (Namib Dune forms the background.) Both images enlarge when clicked. Sol 1214 raw images (from all cameras), and Curiosity’s latest location.

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Curiosity: Wheel-check pit stop

Posted on December 4, 2015 by rburnham

Sol 1182, December 3, 2015. The Mars Hand Lens Imager (MAHLI) on the instrument arm performs a “pit stop” service by swinging under the rover to check the state of the wheels as they rest on sand. The right-side image … Continue reading →

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