Not solely does the software program replace pace up Curiosity’s drives, however it additionally saves vitality.

A Major Upgrade for Curiosity

New Mobility Tricks for the Old Rover

Curiosity’s new software program permits it to course of terrain pictures extra rapidly, getting it nearer to the sleek navigation capabilities of its youthful sibling, Perseverance. Although Curiosity cannot match Perseverance’s continuous drives, this replace permits it to cease for only a second or two between drive segments, fairly than a full minute.

No Time for Idling

Not solely does the software program replace pace up Curiosity’s drives, however it additionally saves vitality. Using much less vitality for idling means extra energy for scientific actions, making the 11-year-old rover much more productive on its mission.

Saving Curiosity’s Wheels

The 2013 algorithm, which adjusted Curiosity’s pace to enhance traction and scale back wheel put on, has been additional improved by this replace. The 2023 improve introduces two new mobility instructions that reduce steering, serving to Curiosity attain its goal quicker and decreasing put on on its wheels.

Streamlining Operations

The software program replace advantages not solely the rover itself but in addition the human operators working tirelessly behind the scenes. The rover group can now extra easily management Curiosity’s sample-collecting robotic arm and precisely level its “head.” Additionally, the replace paves the way in which for future software program enhancements.

Despite the daunting process of putting in the brand new software program, the Curiosity group is relieved it is working as deliberate. “The idea of hitting the install button was a little scary,” says Jonathan Denison, Curiosity’s engineering operations group chief. “Despite all our testing, we never know exactly what will happen until the software is up there.”