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Driving on Mars just got safer for Curiosity, thanks to a special algorithm

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Virtually alone in the Martian landscape, NASA’s Mars rover Curiosity has no one to turn to if it gets into trouble. As NASA puts it: “There are no mechanics on Mars, so the next best thing for [a] rover is careful driving.” So in June 2017, NASA engineers deployed a traction-control algorithm they uploaded to Curiosity. The software uses real-time data to adjust each wheel’s speed and reduce pressure from the rocky ground.Mar.08.2018

Mach

  • Keeping Earth alive: How photosynthesis is essential to our survival

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  • Everything you need to know about THC, marijuana's mind altering chemical

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  • Watch NASA's TESS planet-hunting satellite launch into space

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  • A mutant plastic-eating enzyme could help solve the world’s waste problem

    02:03

  • New studies suggest ocean currents are slowing

    01:55

  • NASA’s new TESS satellite about to lift off in search of alien worlds

    01:47

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