Nonsense data reveal Mars rover's damaged sensor
Found on New Scientist on Tuesday, 21 August 2012
One of two wind sensors on REMS sent back nonsensical data. Inspections with Curiosity's cameras revealed that some of its wires are broken, and there's little hope of finding a workaround.
"It could have been worse. The damaged sensor was a backup, designed to get extra measurements when the wind was coming from directly behind the rover. The other, forward-facing sensor is "working perfectly", says REMS principal investigator Javier Gomez-Elvira.
Now someone will sleep a little worse than yesterday, wondering if the wiring could have been done in a better way; after all, getting a technician there for repairs is rather troublesome.