Paul Hammond

Two images of one of Curiosity Rover's wheels acquired 13 months apart. These show that the wheel wear has slowed dramatically.

#CuriosityRover #Marsrover #Mars #NASA #Space #Science #JPL #Caltech #wheels #keeptrucking

Jul 7, 2023 at 7:42amWeb
Show threadJSON 🐘Jul 7, 2023
@PaulHammond51 wonder what's the kind of change to the driving algo. Less reckless driving? Obstacle avoidance?
Show threadPaul HammondJul 7, 2023

@auricom

Here's a summary about the changes to the driving algorithm:

https://mars.nasa.gov/news/an-algorithm-helps-protect-mars-curiositys-wheels/

TL:DR The revised traction control algorithm uses real-time data to adjust each wheel's speed, reducing pressure from the rocks. The software measures changes to the suspension system to figure out the contact points of each wheel. Then, it calculates the correct speed to avoid slippage, improving the rover's traction, and preventing damage.

An Algorithm Helps Protect Mars Curiosity's Wheels

There are no mechanics on Mars, so the next best thing for NASA's Curiosity rover is careful driving.

NASA Mars Exploration
Show threadRichardJul 7, 2023
@PaulHammond51 Highly interesting. I am assuming it has encountered far less hostile terrain?
Show threadPaul HammondJul 7, 2023

@self They have avoided some of the worst terrain. The Greenheugh Pediment was bad, the terrain there was dubbed "gator-backed". Here's a blog where the geology team talk about avoiding the worst of the terrain but ensuring they reach the science waypoints https://mars.nasa.gov/msl/mission-updates/sol-2032-2033-the-rocks-vs-stone-cold-aluminum-wheels/

The rover recently drove out of Marker Band Valley, they had numerous failed drives due to the difficult terrain, I honestly expected this wheel check to reveal a lot more damage, but it has held up remarkably well.

Sol 2032-2033: The Rocks vs. Stone Cold Aluminum Wheels

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 way north off the Vera Rubin Ridge.

NASA Mars Exploration
Show threadRichardJul 7, 2023
@PaulHammond51 They should have used Duranium. #NASA could have easily got Duranium from the Andorians, Cardassians, Ferengi, Humans, Klingons, or the Trabe.
Show threadLente TisquesusaJul 7, 2023
@PaulHammond51 "All that is solid melts into air"
Show threadPaul HammondJul 7, 2023

@recalalba

Marshall Berman :)

Show threadLente TisquesusaJul 7, 2023
@PaulHammond51 Marx originally.
Show threadmicheleJul 7, 2023
@PaulHammond51 what was changed in the driving mode?
Show threadPaul HammondJul 7, 2023

@micmol

Here is a good summary of the issue and how they fixed it by modifying the driving algorithm.

https://mars.nasa.gov/news/an-algorithm-helps-protect-mars-curiositys-wheels/

An Algorithm Helps Protect Mars Curiosity's Wheels

There are no mechanics on Mars, so the next best thing for NASA's Curiosity rover is careful driving.

NASA Mars Exploration
Show threadmicheleJul 7, 2023
@PaulHammond51 thank you 😊
Show threadPaul HammondJul 7, 2023

@micmol

You are most welcome :)