Makes me wonder though if there are any bumps in deployment of the bridle that could inadvertently cause a slack reading?
Quote from: Pheogh on 12/02/2011 08:32 pmMakes me wonder though if there are any bumps in deployment of the bridle that could inadvertently cause a slack reading?After Mars Polar Lander, I'm pretty sure that's one failure mode you won't be seeing in the near future.
I have heard that there were or have been computer problems with MSL. What's the story about that because I have not seen or read anything else than this English text so far in the German space forum?Quote quoted from German Forum 'Raumcon': "The spacecraft experienced a computer reset on Tuesday apparently related to star-identifying software in the attitude control system. The reset put the spacecraft briefly into a precautionary safe mode. Engineers restored it to normal operational status for functions other than attitude control while planning resumption of star-guided attitude control."Regards, Chris
it isn't a problem with the computers but a star tracker issue.
Quote from: Jim on 12/05/2011 06:28 pmit isn't a problem with the computers but a star tracker issue.So what is the consequence of that? MSL can't navigate anymore? Can they fix it?
Quote from: Apollo-phill on 12/02/2011 07:23 pm"........As planned, MSL does not have a direct means of sensing Rover touchdown; a software logic is employed instead.Quote from: Jim on 12/02/2011 07:49 pmNo, the sensors detect the weight on the bridle which determines landingCan both of these be correct in some way I'm not seeing?
"........As planned, MSL does not have a direct means of sensing Rover touchdown; a software logic is employed instead.
No, the sensors detect the weight on the bridle which determines landing
Ok so if I understand this correctly what actually causes the bridle cut is that the DS senses a difference in thrust requirement based on the when the lander touches the surface it is no longer carrying that load, correct? Makes me wonder though if there are any bumps in deployment of the bridle that could inadvertently cause a slack reading? Of course I am sure they have covered all anomalies, still would love to a ton more about the systems development.
A little interesting news on MSL, looks like they will try to image MSL hanging of the Skycrane using the HiRISE camera on MRO. Mars Orbiters Will Attempt To Take Pictures Of Curiosity As It LandsIf the pull it off, it could be the best picture ever.
It won't top Phoenix under its parachute simply because of the resolution and contrast (big white/red parachute against the background vs a small hunk of metal).
Quote from: ugordan on 12/09/2011 03:25 pmIt won't top Phoenix under its parachute simply because of the resolution and contrast (big white/red parachute against the background vs a small hunk of metal).It might be possible to get both the parachute and MSL doing the skycrane maneuver. The parachute isn't going to disappear instantly, and the field of view is necessarily large.Not only that, but the MSL parachute ought to be almost twice the diameter as the Phoenix parachute (>3 times the area). And the hunks of metal should also be bigger.
I wonder also if they would be able to slew the spacecraft quickly and take more than one picture. Did they take more than one for Phoenix?
By the way, Emily Lakdawalla had a great article on the challenge of capturing Phoenix on HiRISE, along with some some detailed information about the camera system from one of the HiRISE optical engineers:http://www.planetary.org/blog/article/00001547/