Mars Rover - "Curiosity" (Mars Landing 8/5/12 @ ~10:31PM PDT

[Grasshopper]

http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/nasatv/index.html

Sun-8/5/12 from 9pm Pacific Daylight Time view "Live" NASA-TV from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Mission Control Center

[Grasshopper]

[AZLumberjack]

Another future Camp Grasshopper location

[paulhubbard]

The first HD picture that was returned:

[PaleoRob]

Amazing amazing amazing. Did anyone watch the press conference today at 4pm? One of the lead scientists was talking about how we could have done this 12 years ago if we had applied the time and resources. Makes you wonder if we'd already have landed a person on Mars by now.
Also - Skycrane!

[chumley]

I read today that my iPhone has more raw processing power than the computer in the rover. Wouldn't it be nice if it didn't take so long to accomplish stuff like this that the technology being used was actually still sort of current?

[AZLumberjack]

I read today that my iPhone has more raw processing power than the computer in the rover. Wouldn't it be nice if it didn't take so long to accomplish stuff like this that the technology being used was actually still sort of current?

I was just reading this morning, about the 17 cameras on the rover. 2mp, 3mp, and 10fps video? With the camera's on the market today, I would have expected much more technology on a mission of this importance.

It's still programs like this that brought America to the forefront of technological innovation. There should be a way to channel funds from the "Super Pacs" to NASA where it can be put to better use.......but then that's kinda like.... :bdh:

[paulhubbard]

I heard a long time ago that the space shuttles used 8088 processors (IBM XT 8-bit) because of their reliability. I have no evidence to back that up though...

[chumley]

The shuttles were built on 70s technology, so I wouldn't doubt it.

[Grasshopper]

For those who have the interest and time, each day this week NASA-JPL will be having live "News Briefing Updates" at 10:AM and 4:PM Pacific Daylight Time..
http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/nasatv/index.html

[joebartels]

I have no evidence to back that up though...

ah, now I understand the turbo button

come to think of it, I don't lock my keyboard with a physical key much anymore either

[Trishness]

I thought the entire thing was totally amazing! I'll never forget the first manned moon landing on 07-20-1969 and even at the tender age of 10 years I loved astronomy. My dad made sure to wake me up to see it at 2 or 3 AM to watch it. This Mars landing is outstanding!