Tag Archives: wheel wear

Curiosity update: What would we do without MAHLI?

Sols 2461-62, July 8, 2019, update by MSL scientist Roger Wiens: MAHLI was busy over the weekend. The data from Mars returned a trove of close-up images from the outcrop near the top of “Harlaw Rise,” including the one shown … Continue reading

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Curiosity update: On the road again

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

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

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

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

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 update: Early wheel check-up

Sol 1591-92 January 25, 2017, update by USGS scientist Ryan Anderson: The Sol 1589-1590 plan went well, with a successful ~31 meter drive. ChemCam remains “sick” and some diagnostic activities are being planned for the weekend plan. We are approaching … Continue reading

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Curiosity: And check the tires, please

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

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

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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