Mars Rovers Update

BoldAC writes "CNN is reporting that engineers will upload a software hack to decrease the recent power drain plaguing the rover Opportunity. The hack works by reducing the power supply to a poorly functioning switch." p3tersen writes "Opportunity has photographed a blue martian sunset (it's blue because of the optical scattering properties of dust in the martian atmosphere). In other news, the rovers are beginning to experience power supply problems due to the accumulation of dust on their solar panels."

Comments

Re:Planning Ahead

[toast0]

How does testing the software determine the heater is going to malfunction?

Given CNN's lack of technical depth, for all we know it could be a command to the rover to tell it not to turn on the heater anymore. Either way, they designed the rovers so they can fix them while they're in space, which is pretty good.

Given the limited amount of storage on the rover, it's a higher priority to make sure the upgrade process works, and that it is possible to fix stuff with software, than to make the rover fix stuff automagically.