A Snapshot of Some Mars 2020 Cameras› Enhanced Engineering Cameras: Color, higher resolution and wider fields of view than Curiosity's engineering cameras.› Mastcam-Z: An improved version of Curiosity's MASTCAM with a 3:1 zoom lens.› SuperCam Remote Micro-Imager (RMI): The highest-resolution remote imager will have color, a change from the imager that flew with Curiosity's ChemCam.› CacheCam: Will watch as rock samples are deposited into the rover's body.› Entry, descent and landing cameras: Six cameras will record the entry, descent and landing process, providing the first video of a parachute opening on another planet.› Lander Vision System Camera: Will use computer vision to guide the landing, using a new technology called terrain relative navigation.› SkyCam: A suite of weather instruments will include a sky-facing camera for studying clouds and the atmosphere.
I realize this is a bit off-topic, but on the subject of cameras and navigation, has there been any news on the Mars Helicopter Scout development and if a flight copy is on track to actually accompany Mars 2020?
Last update I had was late August. They were starting to build an engineering model.
Quote from: e of pi on 11/14/2017 03:01 pmI realize this is a bit off-topic, but on the subject of cameras and navigation, has there been any news on the Mars Helicopter Scout development and if a flight copy is on track to actually accompany Mars 2020?Last update I had was late August. They were starting to build an engineering model.
So it remains on the intended instrument list?
But you might want to take a look at the President's budget for the Mars Exploration Program that came out a few months ago and see what it shows... (okay, I won't be coy: there's no money to do anything at all).
Quote from: Blackstar on 11/19/2017 06:41 pmBut you might want to take a look at the President's budget for the Mars Exploration Program that came out a few months ago and see what it shows... (okay, I won't be coy: there's no money to do anything at all).Why is that? Does that signal that NASA or the scientific community is getting less interested in Mars, or is it a decision from the administration (White House/OMB)?
Do the issues with crafting and implementing coherent policy funding and planning impair only planning missions beyond 2020, or do they actually contribute to a risk that 2020 might not fly on time or at all?
You wanted to know about the helicopter. This is from August:
Quote from: Blackstar on 11/20/2017 05:41 pmYou wanted to know about the helicopter. This is from August:Is the full presentation available on line?
Quote from: Dalhousie on 11/21/2017 10:27 pmQuote from: Blackstar on 11/20/2017 05:41 pmYou wanted to know about the helicopter. This is from August:Is the full presentation available on line?Look under the August meeting:http://sites.nationalacademies.org/SSB/CurrentProjects/SSB_177619#presentations
Took this a few hours ago at JPL. I have better ones, but haven't taken them off my camera yet.Oh, they're still working on the helicopter.
Awesome! I'm looking forward to seeing this in person when I take a public tour at JPL next May.