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Is there any possibility for mars rovers to use continuous tracks in lieu of wheels?
Wiki User
∙ 11y ago
The reason they don't use tracks instead of wheels on the Mars Rovers is the unpredictable terrain on Mars. The way the wheel systems are engineered (independent wheels and axles) allows them to traverse rocky terrain as well as soft, and can they navigate in areas where a tracked vehicle could get caught or trapped (e.g., gullies indicating where water might have once flowed). The current designs also allow for much a much better chance at extrication if a rover should get trapped.
There are also a lot more moving parts on a tracked system, and it takes up much more space and weight, which are key elements to consider when designing any spacecraft or remote probe. Less moving parts means fewer chances for malfunction and lack of maintenance requirements (Martian mechanics are notoriously bad at ordering spare parts) and therefore ensures the likelihood of an extended mission beyond the design specs.
Wiki User
∙ 11y ago
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How many wheels does the Mars rover have?
The Mars Rovers "Opportunity" and "Spirit" have six wheels each with there own motor. The Mars Rovers also have a top speed of 50 mm/s (2 in/s) and an average speed of 10 mm/s.
How was an Apollo landing on Earth different to a space shuttle landing?
a shuttle has wheels an Apollo has no wheels
Why does a Mars rover have six wheels?
because it is my butt
What is the height of the shuttle orbit?
125ft high when resting on wheels
Do Rocket ships have wheels?
no, because they use rockets to get into space, not like a airplane
Does the mars rover use wheels?
All of the versions of the Mars rovers that the United States has produced and used have had wheels. However, the US had prototypes of ones with continuous tracks, or tank tracks. China and Russia have also explored the moon and Mars with similar type apparatuses.
When did NASA start using wheels on their mars rovers?
All of their Mars Rovers have wheels.
How many wheels does a tiger tank have?
Twenty wheels connectd to the tracks.
Where can one source Hot Wheel tracks from?
You can purchase Hot Wheels tracks at local retailers such as Target, Toys "R" Us or alternatively, you can purchase Hot Wheels tracks online at places such as Amazon.
Where could I buy Hot Wheels wall tracks?
Hot Wheels does make wall tracks for cars to race on and these tracks can be found online at Amazon and eBay or in stores such as Wal-Mart and Toys R Us.
How many wheels does the Mars rover have?
The Mars Rovers "Opportunity" and "Spirit" have six wheels each with there own motor. The Mars Rovers also have a top speed of 50 mm/s (2 in/s) and an average speed of 10 mm/s.
How do trains move on the tracks?
They use freck'in wheels!
Why do army tankers have broad steel tracks rather than wheels?
Wheels might get shot out and tracks make it easier for the tank to go over rough land
How trains wheels stay on track?
The wheels have flanges on the inside edges, they keep the wheels on the rail. The wheels would not stay on the tracks without the flanges.
What would be the problem if railway tracks are not parallel lines?
If the tracks are not parallel, the wheels will not stay on the tracks; train wheels are spaced at a fixed width, or gauge, and that width cannot expand or contract to accommodate non-parallel tracks. Thus, if the tracks were non-parallel, the wheel would come off the track and cause a derailment.
What is the name of tank wheels?
Usually the back wheels are the ones connected to the engine, providing the power to rotate the tracks, and these are the drive wheels. The rest are bogey wheels.
ARE CAR WHEELS THE SAME DISTANCE APART AS RAILROAD TRACKS?
No they are not.
