Is there SDS on Mars?

[polygonum]

Couldn't help thinking ...

[Brian Gaff]

I've often wondered what happens to these robotic explorers when their tools wear out. As i understand it, the older Opportunity rover has had a reduction in the amount of radiation coming from a radioactive source used to investigate some materials in situ, and its memory chips have started misbehaving as well as a joint motor on the arm, not to mention that some of the motors for the wheels are drawing more current than they used to. Apparently driving backwards for a while helps with this. As for the current rover which is powered buy a thermonuclear generator, ie the heat from decaying radioactive substnces is used to make electricity, it can work at night as well as day, and I do wonder how much this drill can achieve considering that it only has the one to play with. Of course it has a laser on board capable of vapourising rock at a distance so maybe that is the way to go most of the time.

Brian

[Terry Casey]

At least it does carry spare bits!

Quote: "If the drill bit becomes stuck in a rock, the drill can disengage from that bit and replace it with a spare."

How many spares it carries is another question ...!

[Jim K]

if it can do that why not a wallace & gromit white gloved hand with a lump hammer to free the stuck bit?!?!

Jim K

[Tim Streater]

It rewinds the elastic.

[Davey]

I just hope they didn't send one of those kits where it is almost impossible to free up a new bit without breaking a fingernail or two.

[polygonum]

Severe lack of nail salons?

[Davey]

Probably. Severe lack of customers, too. So they can probably easily get a bank small-business loan.