NASA's Curiosity rover, exploring Mars for over 4,400 Earth days, has faced significant wear on its wheels but remains operational, thanks to careful engineering.
In just the first year on Mars, Curiosity's wheels sustained noticeable damage as they traversed sharp rocky landscapes. The substantial wear encouraged modifications in wheel management.
NASA employs software updates to adjust wheel speeds and minimize wear, showcasing a proactive approach to wheel maintenance that extends the rover's functional lifespan.
Despite the damage, experts estimate that Curiosity's wheels have several years of life left. The team at JPL focuses on reducing wear to prolong this durability.
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