spacetoday.net: space news from around the webin association with SpaceNews


Mars rover suffers arm problem
Posted: Tue, Dec 6, 2005, 7:39 AM ET (1239 GMT)
Mars Exploration Rover (NASA/JPL) One of the twin Mars Exploration Rovers that have been exploring the surface of Mars for nearly two years is currently unable to move its experiment arm, a problem that could significantly limit the amount of science it can do. Project officials said Monday that the robot arm on the Opportunity rover stopped moving about ten days ago because of a problem in the arm's shoulder joint. Engineers don't know why the joint isn't moving, although it does not appear to be blocked by anything. An "A team" of engineers is working on the issue to either fix the joint or at least allow the joint to move once more, putting the arm out in an extended position that would allow scientists to use the instruments mounted on the end of the arm. The arm on Opportunity's twin, Spirit, has not suffered any problems other than a rock abrasion tool on its tip that has worn down. The rovers were designed to operate for 90 days on the surface, but have now been working since January 2004.
<<previous article   next article>>
news in brief
Shenzhou-20 launches to Tiangong space station
Posted: Sun, Apr 27 10:25 AM ET (1425 GMT)

Falcon 9 launches Starlink satellites
Posted: Sun, Apr 27 10:20 AM ET (1420 GMT)

Northwood Space raises $30 million
Posted: Sun, Apr 27 10:16 AM ET (1416 GMT)

news links
Thursday, May 1
Space Ops: First Kuiper Launch Down, 79 To Go
Aviation Week — 6:43 am ET (1043 GMT)
SpaceX loses bid to win control of Texas public beach, highway
San Antonio Express-News — 6:40 am ET (1040 GMT)
Starbase: SpaceX company town poised to be Texas' newest city
San Antonio Express-News — 6:39 am ET (1039 GMT)


about spacetoday.net   ·   info@spacetoday.net   ·   mailing list