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Meet the Drivers Behind NASA's Mars Rovers

Posted by Zonk on from the best-game-ever dept.

StonyandCher writes "Scott Maxwell must have one of the best IT jobs in the solar system, driving NASA's Mars Rovers. Behind every robot is a driver. He's one of 14 Rover Drivers that work in NASA's California-based Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Maxwell discusses what makes up an average work day, the highlights of the project, how he got the job, and the tools he uses in his work. A great look at the team of dedicated IT workers behind the robots, plotting the every move of NASA's twin robot geologists, Spirit and Opportunity, since they first landed on Mars at the start of 2004."

3 of 67 comments (clear)

  1. Women Drivers? by coolmoose25 · · Score: 5, Funny

    Are there any female drivers and if there are, do they do their makeup in the rear view mirror while driving? (ducking and running for cover)

    --
    Brawndo: It's what plants crave!
  2. What?!? No .Net ?!? by Black-Man · · Score: 5, Funny

    Java, Python, Perl and Shell scripts are used to program this thing? I just can't understand a development team shunning XP Pro and .NET. The shelf life was suppose to be 1 year - isn't that about right for a .Net application before permanent and complete failure??

  3. Should have just used LOGO to drive them... by PainBreak · · Score: 5, Funny

    Forward 4000 Wait 2400 Left 80 Wait 2400 Shit...where's my turtle? Guys?...