this post was submitted on 24 Sep 2024
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NASA's Curiosity Mars Rover
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The metal is as thin as possible to carry a heavy rover. Then it's just a matter of driving over rocks for 12 years now!
Wonder if it's something they will consider changing in the designs of future rovers.
Maybe one small change would increase the weight a fraction, but allow for 5-10 more years of service.
Here's a short video clip that goes over the changes https://youtu.be/ov_TXfWBf-4?t=68
Mars rocks are sharper and spikier than was expected.