Mars Science Laboratory: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 08:18, 6 August 2012

Revision as of 08:19, 6 August 2012

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* '''Dimensions:''' The rover is {{convert|3|m|ft|abbr=on}} in length, much larger than the [[Mars Exploration Rover]]s, which have a length of {{convert|1.5|m|ft|abbr=on}} and a mass of {{convert|174|kg|lb|abbr=on}} including {{convert|6.8|kg|lb|abbr=on}} of scientific instruments.<ref name="MSLUSAToday"/><ref>{{cite video | title=Mars Rovers: Pathfinder, MER (Spirit and Opportunity), and MSL | url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7kBTZAGhbs | medium=video | ___location=Pasadena, California | date=April 12, 2008 | accessdate=September 22, 2011}}</ref><ref>[http://marsrovers.jpl.nasa.gov/newsroom/merlaunch.pdf MER Launch Press Kit]</ref>

* '''Speed:''' Once on the surface, ''Curiosity'' will be able to roll over obstacles approaching {{convert|75|cm|in|abbr=on}} in height. Maximum terrain-traverse speed is estimated to be {{convert|90|m|ft|abbr=on}} per hour by automatic navigation; average traverse speeds will likely be about {{convert|30|m|ft|abbr=on}} per hour, based on variables including power levels, terrain difficulty, slippage, and visibility. MSL is expected to traverse a minimum of {{convert|19|km|mi|abbr=on}} in its two-year mission.<ref name="home">{{cite web |url=http://marsprogram.jpl.nasa.gov/msl/overview/ |title=Mars Science Laboratory&nbsp;— Homepage | accessdate=September 22, 2011 |publisher=NASA}}</ref>

* '''Power source:''' ''Curiosity'' is powered by a [[radioisotope thermoelectric generator]] (RTG), like the successful [[Viking 1]] and [[Viking 2]] Mars landers in 1976.<ref name="MMRTG">{{cite web | url=http://www.ne.doe.gov/pdfFiles/MMRTG_Jan2008.pdf | title=Multi-Mission Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator |publisher=NASA/JPL |date=January 1, 2008 |accessdate=September 7, 2009}}</ref><ref name="MarsExplorationMMRTG">{{cite web |url=http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/fact_sheets/mars-power-heating.pdf |title=Mars Exploration: Radioisotope Power and Heating for Mars Surface Exploration |publisher=NASA/JPL |date=April 18, 2006 |accessdate=September 7, 2009 }}</ref>