NASA engineers are giving the Curiosity rover on Mars a boost by making it more efficient and capable of multitasking. The six-wheeled robot has been upgraded with increased autonomy, allowing it to manage its own daily power budget and reduce energy consumption.
With its multi-mission radioisotope thermoelectric generator (MMRTG) nuclear power source, Curiosity can operate for longer periods, but the plutonium decays over time, reducing energy availability. To mitigate this, engineers carefully manage the rover’s daily tasks to maximize efficiency.
One new capability involves letting Curiosity decide when it needs to nap if it completes its tasks early. By doing so, the rover reduces recharging time and maximizes the life of the MMRTG for more science and exploration.
Additionally, the team has implemented various other enhancements, such as software updates to improve driving capabilities, mechanical fixes to collect samples efficiently, and an algorithm to reduce wear on Curiosity’s wheels.
These measures are allowing the rover to operate with increased productivity, making the most of its energy source and continuing to unravel the mysteries of Mars’ ancient climate.
Source: https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/marking-13-years-on-mars-nasas-curiosity-picks-up-new-skills