🚀 go-pugleaf

cmcmanis@stpeter.Eng.Sun.COM (Chuck McManis) writes:
> [Can the problem of martian rovers be helped by postulating a
> orbiting powersat, which could beam (eg.) microwaves down to a rover?]

There are lots more useful things such a satellite can do than that.
It is more helpful for the satellite to act as a powerful
communication link to earth.  Put large antennas, good amplifiers and
ample power onto a geostationary satellite, and then you can make do
with simpler, low-power gear on the land equipment.

Heck, you could even have the satellite do store-and-forward for the
large amounts of data (eg pictures) returned by the rovers.  That is,
put a good chunk of data (ie. not program) storage space on the
satellite, too, so that you don't need as much (any?) in the rovers.

So, can these small cat-like rovers get back on their feet after a
fall or stumble?  I'm hoping it looks sort of like a cockroach in
similar distress, perhaps more capable, but I suppose that's too much
to expect. :-)
--
	Ben Chase <bbc@rice.edu>, Rice University, Houston, Texas