11-27-2011, 03:08 AM
Oddly enough, I think it's the supersonically deployed parachute that's pushing the envelope more than the "Sky Crane".
It's the biggest chute, deployed at the fastest speeds, with the heaviest cargo, even deployed. I saw a video of a wind-tunnel test on a documentary. Let's just say the one they tested was a "failed" design. It deployed, and shredded into lots of pieces.
The MSL has an RTG (Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator) on board, and is planned for a more-than two year mission on Mars.
Now, the Spirit and Opportunity rovers were designed for a mission of what, 90 days? They operated for more than FIVE YEARS!
If the Curiousity Rover lasts an equivalent amount longer than it's designed life, we're going to be getting some neat data for many years.
Have you seen the animation of the landing sequence? Looking at this, I don't think Valium would begin to cover it!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gwinFP8_qIM&feature=share
I saw part of that animation on the news last night. The part where the thrusters fire and the rover drops out on three
cables is really pushing the envelope IMO. I hope it works, I think the $3 billion rover is also nuclear powered.
It's the biggest chute, deployed at the fastest speeds, with the heaviest cargo, even deployed. I saw a video of a wind-tunnel test on a documentary. Let's just say the one they tested was a "failed" design. It deployed, and shredded into lots of pieces.
The MSL has an RTG (Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator) on board, and is planned for a more-than two year mission on Mars.
Now, the Spirit and Opportunity rovers were designed for a mission of what, 90 days? They operated for more than FIVE YEARS!
If the Curiousity Rover lasts an equivalent amount longer than it's designed life, we're going to be getting some neat data for many years.
Grateful11 wrote:
[quote=Uncle Wig]
[quote=ka jowct]
Eights months of waiting to find out if it was all for naught…I'd hate to be on the Rover team during the landing process. I think I'd need Valium.
Have you seen the animation of the landing sequence? Looking at this, I don't think Valium would begin to cover it!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gwinFP8_qIM&feature=share
I saw part of that animation on the news last night. The part where the thrusters fire and the rover drops out on three
cables is really pushing the envelope IMO. I hope it works, I think the $3 billion rover is also nuclear powered.