A healthy Curiosity spent Sol 4, its fifth day on Mars, preparing for this weekend's planned "brain transplant"--transitioning to a new version of flight software on both of Curiosity's redundant main computers. The new software is better suited for Mars surface operations, such as driving and using Curiosity's robotic arm. The "brain transplant" will take place during a series of steps beginning this evening and continuing through Aug. 13. The new software was uploaded to the rover's memory during the Mars Science Laboratory spacecraft's flight from Earth. Key capabilities in the new software enable full use of Curiosity's powerful robotic arm and drill, and advanced image processing to check for obstacles while driving. This will ultimately allow Curiosity to make longer drives by giving the rover more autonomy to identify and avoid potential hazards and to drive along a safe path that the rover identifies for itself.
The flight team elected to defer further science activities until after the flight software transition is completed. Several Mastcam color images were downlinked. The mission's science team is busy analyzing images Curiosity has taken of its surroundings, and is discussing features of interest that they will investigate in a few weeks once initial checkouts of the rover and the landing site are completed.
Man...Curiosity is covered in dust and crap already. Would it kill them to clean up a little before taking a picture? This is why we can't have anything nice....
They've also almost (or probably have by now) finished the software upgrade to R10 (R9 was for getting to Mars and landing, R10 is for driving around). The primary computer is running on the update.
Sol 8 schedule includes more instruments checks, and will be the last day of pre-loaded commands, after this it'll be instructions uploaded from Earth.
Another week before they start testing steering actuators and drive around a bit.
(From someone who was on the JPL Update Teleconference)
__________________ Uncertainty is an uncomfortable position.
But certainty is an absurd one.
"We are expecting a clear day here on Mars with thin ice clouds on the horizon," he said, and "balmy, minus-20-degree temperatures. But overnight, it might get chilly — all the way down to minus-200 degrees Fahrenheit."
Winds are expected to be calm. Skies should be pink.
Wait what, does Curiosity drive itself? Howard isnt driving it?
__________________
MYK - Supports Arizona to democtratically pass laws for the state of Arizona
Rudy was the only hope in 08
2011 Election: Cons 40% - Nanos 38% Ekos 34%
They've also almost (or probably have by now) finished the software upgrade to R10 (R9 was for getting to Mars and landing, R10 is for driving around). The primary computer is running on the update.
Sol 8 schedule includes more instruments checks, and will be the last day of pre-loaded commands, after this it'll be instructions uploaded from Earth.
Another week before they start testing steering actuators and drive around a bit.
(From someone who was on the JPL Update Teleconference)
Fuel for the conspiracy crowd. Pano location stated as The World > North America > USA > New Mexico
