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New theory addresses frozen Earth paradox
PASADENA, Calif., Feb. 10 (UPI) -- Engineers say they've found the cause of a computer reset that occurred two months ago on NASA's Mars Science Laboratory bound for Mars.
The fix involved changing how certain unused data-holding locations, called registers, are configured in memory chips used in a computer processor on the spacecraft, a NASA release said Friday.
Engineers said the unexpected reset occurred Nov. 29, three days after launch, during use of the craft's star scanner.
In rare sets of circumstances, unique to how this mission uses the processor, the release said, cache access errors could occur resulting in instructions not being executed properly.
"The successful resolution of this problem was the outcome of productive teamwork by engineers at the computer manufacturer and JPL."
The spacecraft began normal use of its star tracker and true celestial navigation this week after its software update, NASA said.
The Mars Science Laboratory's car-size rover Curiosity is to land on Mars Aug. 6.
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MONTREAL, June 1 (UPI) --
Police in Montreal Friday identified a man who was killed and dismembered as a Chinese university student and said the suspect in the case may be in France.
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NEW YORK, June 1 (UPI) --
U.S. author Lauren Weisberger is working on a sequel to her 2003 blockbuster novel, "The Devil Wears Prada," EW.com reported.
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HOUSTON, June 1 (UPI) --
The silhouette created as Venus transits the face of the sun Tuesday will be widely visible across seven continents, U.S. space officials said.
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HOLMES BEACH, Fla., June 1 (UPI) --
Employees at a Florida grocery store restrained a Cuban sandwich thief by sitting on him until authorities arrived, police say.
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