A report discusses the use of the Web Interface for Telescience (WITS) for visualization and command sequence generation in the Mars Polar Lander (MPL) mission. WITS, which has been described in prior articles in NASA Tech Briefs, is an Internet-based software system that enables geographically dispersed scientists and engineers to participate in sequence generation for planetary lander and rover missions. Public outreach versions of WITS enable the general public to use WITS to view mission images and plan and simulate their own missions. WITS enables scientists to view mission data and generate command sequences from their home institutions, making it unnecessary for them to travel to a mission control center to participate in the mission. The present report describes how WITS fits in the MPL mission operations architecture and how it was used for Robotic Arm and Robotic Arm Camera sequence generation.
This work was done by Paul Backes and Jeffrey Norris of Caltech and Kam Tso and Gregory Tharp of IA Tech, Inc., for NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. To obtain a copy of the report, "Sequence Generation System for the Mars Polar Lander Mission," access the Technical Support Package (TSP) free on-line at www.nasatech.com/tsp under the Information Sciences category.
In accordance with Public Law 96-517, the contractor has elected to retain title to this invention. Inquiries concerning rights for its commercial use should be addressed to
Intellectual Property group
JPL
Mail Stop 202-233
4800 Oak Grove Drive
Pasadena, CA 91109
(818) 354-2240
Refer to NPO-20886, volume and number of this NASA Tech Briefs issue, and the page number.
This Brief includes a Technical Support Package (TSP).
Generating Commands for the Mars Polar Lander Robotic Arm
(reference NPO-20886) is currently available for download from the TSP library.
Don't have an account?
Overview
The document discusses the implementation of the Web Interface for Telescience (WITS) in the Mars Polar Lander (MPL) mission, highlighting its role in visualization and command sequence generation. WITS is an Internet-based software system designed to facilitate collaboration among geographically dispersed scientists and engineers, allowing them to participate in the planning and execution of planetary lander and rover missions without the need to be physically present at a mission control center.
The report outlines how WITS was integrated into the MPL mission operations architecture, specifically focusing on its application for generating sequences for the Robotic Arm and Robotic Arm Camera. This capability enabled scientists to access mission data and create command sequences from their home institutions, significantly enhancing the efficiency and flexibility of mission operations.
WITS also includes public outreach versions, which allow the general public to engage with mission images and simulate their own missions. This feature not only promotes public interest in space exploration but also provides an educational platform for individuals to learn about the complexities of mission planning.
The work presented in the document was conducted by a team from Caltech and IA Tech, Inc., under the auspices of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. The report emphasizes the innovative nature of WITS and its contributions to the MPL mission, showcasing how technology can bridge distances and foster collaboration in scientific endeavors.
Additionally, the document includes a disclaimer regarding the mention of specific commercial products, processes, or services, clarifying that such references do not imply endorsement by the United States Government or the Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
In summary, the document serves as a comprehensive overview of the WITS system's application in the MPL mission, illustrating its significance in modern space exploration and the collaborative efforts it enables among scientists and the public alike. The advancements in technology represented by WITS mark a pivotal step in enhancing the capabilities of mission planning and execution in planetary exploration.
