NASA’s Curiosity Rover Adapts to Diminishing Power After 13 Years on Mars
By
Bluestein
Pulled from the oven just right. Trustworthy, fact-dense, deeply satisfying.
Summary
NASA's Curiosity rover, celebrating 13 years on Mars, has developed new capabilities to conduct scientific research despite diminishing power from its nuclear battery. The rover's team meticulously manages its daily energy budget to optimize operations.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledCuriosity and its younger sibling Perseverance each use their MMRTG nuclear power source, which relies on decaying plutonium pellets to create energy and recharge the rover’s batteries.
Providing ample power for the rovers’ many science instruments, MMRTGs are known for their longevity.
The team carefully manages the rover’s daily power budget, factoring in every device that draws on the batteries.
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