Giant Cross Seen In Curiosity Image

[mikeybandb]

Like you, my thinking is also work related, with a major defense contractor, involved with all sorts of stuff, including major aircraft modifications. The government is normally very finicky with its wiring requirements/specifications in most all design work. I absolutely cannot imagine all of these electrical wires, and electrical connections being left out in the open environment, more especially if this sucker was to be on another planet.

Everywhere you look, there is just stuff out in the open, on this Rover. In fact, this circumstance causes me to seriously wonder, or even doubt, that Curiosity is actually on Mars. 

Considering average surface temps range anywhere from (86 °F) to (-225 °F) , I would think some sort of insulation would be called for.   

                                          WTF   

[hoss58]

Just a matter of interest. Having Designed and Manufactured Automotive Control Computers for a number of years in the past, I am surprised, if not shocked to see "external wiring" unprotected from such a harsh environment.



From a design point of view, One would keep wiring internal or at least shielded in Conduit in such a harsh and unknown environment.

Now this is just a thought I just had when I read your post: what if the environment is neither harsh OR unknown?

[ArMaP]

Just a matter of interest. Having Designed and Manufactured Automotive Control Computers for a number of years in the past, I am surprised, if not shocked to see "external wiring" unprotected from such a harsh environment.

What is the biggest "enemy" of external wiring in a case like this?

[The Matrix Traveller]

What is the biggest "enemy" of external wiring in a case like this?

Lack of intelligence on the part of the designers.

If they displayed this level of intelligence in my Co. I wold relieve them from their duties.

Probably send them back to be educated again.   

[ArMaP]

Lack of intelligence on the part of the designers.

That may be the reason for them to be easily affected by the environment "enemies" that I thought you were talking about.

Now, could you please tell me what are the environment "enemies" of exposed wiring?

PS: do you know what kind of wiring they use in the rovers? Do they use something special or do they use a commercial product?

[The Matrix Traveller]

Now, could you please tell me what are the environment "enemies" of exposed wiring?

Well going by the wiring this style of grouping, (tying) this  was used in the 1930's and also used in early Computers and Electronics.

If the NASA new the Environment they would not have the need to send a "toy" to Mars now would they ?   

So having to send this "toy", I guess they don't know much about Mars.

Hell Science knows very little about our own environment..  Judging by the Challenges we find ourselves facing today.   

Now if Mars has a different make up than the Earth i.e. such things as the Magnetic field containing the Van Allen belts etc. missing or weaker,



and the atmosphere being less dense than Earths etc. etc. I guess the Radiation levels may be different ?

So at least we would expect ALL wiring to be at least internal just in case.

The Housing of the "toy" giving Shielding at least !

If wiring is to be external, Conduit or Shielded wiring would be used, just as we also use these methods in our harsh environment on Earth, (referring to the Computer or Electronics Industry)

In the Automotive Industry, we recognize that "Computer Systems", are in a Harsh Environment, subject to Vibration, Weather, Dust, Moisture, Radiation (RF and other) and general oxidization, (corrosion) Ultraviolet Radiation etc. etc.

Mars being an unknown environment (NOT knowing everything about Mars) design must try and take into account the Unknown...     especially if Billions of $$$$ are involved. They would try and allow for ALL possibilities    trying to make sure the Challenge would at least be successful.     

Like I said IF they knew all about Mars, they would have no need to send a "toy/s" there...   

[hoss58]

 :)Does kinda look like zip ties on those bundles . So what is the thinking? is the rover on Mars in a unknown environment  or is it in a known environment  that doesn't need good wiring. Or is Mars not a rough place for rovers?. hmmmmmm

[zorgon]

Now, could you please tell me what are the environment "enemies" of exposed wiring?

Well zip ties in Las Vegas outdoors last a few months before they get brittle from the intense sun, mostly UV..
Since Mars has no or little ozone it would get a lot of UV light that is MURDER on plastic insulation as well., even though the sun is a little further away.

Thinner atmosphere and no ozone layer... compensates for distance  

UNLESS Mars is not like they tell us

[ArMaP]

UNLESS Mars is not like they tell us

Or they use different materials.

[zorgon]

So write NASA and ask them why they left them exposed like amateurs and what material they used

[Pimander]

I have to say, I am surprised how exposed the wires and other delicate looking components are on the rover.  If I was designing it (I'm no engineer though) I would not want all of that exposed just in case.  This is a strong looking argument.

[The Matrix Traveller]

I have to admit it is Strange to say the least...      It defies common sense !   

[The Matrix Traveller]

So write NASA and ask them why they left them exposed like amateurs and what material they used

They are probable laughing at us, the public right now Z. Sick joke by the NASA if you ask me..   o

[The Matrix Traveller]

UNLESS Mars is not like they tell us

Now you may be right there Z..   

Perhaps we need to dig a little deeper ?   

[rdunk]

Here is something that relates to some of our comments relative to Curiosity. The link I am providing is a "podcast-type" meeting today, Nov. 15, 2012, at JPL. It is called a "Mars Curiosity Rover News Telecon". And right near the beginning they say they are going to be discussing today "Environmental Conditions on the Surface of Mars".

They do make some presentations, and then do take questions, related to the environment conditions. I haven't listened to all of this yet, but in some cases, the answers seem to be a little like Obama's press conferences!

The broadcast is a little over one hour long, and they do address some of our thread questions about surface temps, and etc. INTERESTING. Still not sure if really there or not! 

The broadcast I am referring to, is right at the top of this link page.

http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/msl/building_curiosity.html