Research/ PLANETARY ROBOTICS
The Challenges in Applying Magnetroesistive Sensors on the 'Curiosity' Rover
Michael R. Johnson
Magnetoresistive Sensors and Sensors and Magnetic Systems 2013//NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Space × RoboticsPLANETARY ROBOTICS
Missions
Curiosity (MSL)named in title, abstract, keywords
Indexed as
NTRSLunar and Planetary Science and Exploration · Spacecraft Design, Testing and Performance
Magnetoresistive Sensors were selected for use on the motor encoders throughout the Curiosity Rover for motor position feedback devices. The Rover contains 28 acuators with a corresponding number of encoder assemblies. The environment on Mars provides opportunities for challenges to any hardware design. The encoder assemblies presented several barriers that had to be vaulted in order to say the rover was ready to fly. The environment and encoder specific design features provided challenges that had to be solved in time to fly.