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New Software Stops Mars Rover Confusion
MattSparkes writes "The Mars rover Spirit used to get quite confused when it came upon a rock. Because it could only plan routes of a metre or two it couldn't understand how to navigate around large objects, and frequently used to rock back and forth for hours trying to figure it out. NASA have written new software called D* for the rover Opportunity, which should allow it to autonomously plan routes up to 50 metres long. The new software still won't be able to avoid sand-traps, though."
actually controls the rail gun which will be used to 'eliminate' obstacles
Do not try to read the dupe, thats impossible. Instead, only try to realize the truth
What truth?
There is no dupe
..and I can't avoid sand-traps either!
They fixed the navigation issue, but I bet the rover still hates Mars.
You know, NASA sometimes has a hard time figuring out the difference between Meters and Miles. Now, you are asking them to figure out the difference between Metres and Meters.
Every time it would figure out a way around the rock, Marvin would move the rock.
Ha!
My orcs could find their way around rocks... (Score:0, Troll)
Anyone else find that mildly amusing?
P.S. The asterisk is because the algorithm is on steroids.
> Look L
To your left you see a sharp precipice going nearly straight down. Sticking out of the cliff wall are thorny bushes.
> Look R
To your right you see an overgrown thicket, filled with poison ivy, snakes and thorny bushes. The remains of a trail appear to pass through the thicket.
> Climb boulder
You grab hold of the boulder and attempt to pull yourself up, but lacking a firm grip, you slip and hit the ground with your butt.
Some NASA software engineer reading slashdot is probably shitting his pants right now because he wrote the config line:
MAXSEARCHLENGTH: 50 yards
"Can I come home now? When I agreed to go to Mars I was told it was a tropical paradise and I would only have to stay for three months. It's cold and dry and I haven't seen a single palm tree, not one! The software update was a big help but I'd rather have a ticket home." Signed Spirit Rover. "I miss you guys. By the way who won the last three American Idols? Reception sucks up here."
My Warcraft II orcs couldn't find their way around a 2-tile big forest. My Terran Marines, however, could find their around lots of stuff. But, obviously the marines are from the future, where this technology is better.