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NASA will attempt to drive Curiosity rover over 3-foot dune

NASA engineers are being very cautious with Curiosity after they lost the Spirit rover in 2009 and nearly lost the Opportunity rover in 2005 in similar incidents.

By Ananth Baliga
Curiosity sent back images of the sand dune and valley in the distance. From the image it is clear that other paths are peppered with sharp rocks, and could cause additional damage to the rover's wheels. (Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS)
Curiosity sent back images of the sand dune and valley in the distance. From the image it is clear that other paths are peppered with sharp rocks, and could cause additional damage to the rover's wheels. (Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS)

PASADENA, Calif., Feb. 4 (UPI) -- The Curiosity Mars rover will attempt to travel over a sandy dune standing in its way, to avoid other paths that could potentially damage its wheels.

The dune stands between the rover and a small valley, with scientists at NASA preferring to go over the dune rather than taking other routes that could be riddled with sharp rocks. Curiosity's titanium wheels have already taken a beating, with recent pictures showing multiple rips and punctures.

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NASA wants to drive through the 'Dingo Gap' to protect the rover's wheels, and is confident Curiosity can make the short trek. While the rover is capable of traversing the dune, scientists are worried it will get damaged or snagged by hidden rocks. So in order to be safe, engineers are commanding the rover to go only part of the way up before deciding whether the rover can make the entire journey.

Curiosity is attempting to reach Mount Sharp, which is still miles from Curiosity's current location in the Gale Crater. Scientists are attempting to drill into the exposed bedrock and look for traces of complex carbon chemistry. Curiosity has so far clocked 3 miles since landing on Mars in 2012.

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NASA lost the Spirit rover in 2009 in a sand trap, and drove the Opportunity rover into a deep pile of dirt in 2005, where it lay for several weeks before breaking free. The Opportunity rover has since recovered and recently celebrated 10 years of work on Mars.

[NASA] [BBC]

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