A software system has been developed for use in Earth operations centers communicating with a robotic exploratory vehicle (rover) on Mars. The software was designed for and field-tested on the Field Integrated Design and Operations rover — a prototype similar to rovers of the planned 2003 Mars Explorer Rover mission. The software subsystems and their functions include the following: (1) The Parallel Telemetry Processing (PTeP) system processes downlink data and stores data products in a database. (2) The Multi-mission Encrypted Communication System (MECS) provides communication between a primary terrestrial operations center and geographically distributed, Internet-based users. (3) The Web Interface for Telescience [WITS (aspects of which have been described in several prior NASA Tech Briefs articles)] displays information downlinked from the rover — video images from several rover cameras and alphanumeric data. Data are coregistered, and uplink targets are coregistered with downlink data. The WITS enables geographically dispersed users to collaborate in the generation of a sequence of commands to be uplinked to the rover, assisting the collaboration by analyzing resources, checking for adherence to rules, automatically correcting errors in the sequence, and predicting (through simulation) the states of the rover at various points in the sequence.
This program was written by Paul Backes and Jeffrey Norris of Caltech for NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. For further information, access the Technical Support Package (TSP) free on-line at www.nasatech.com/tsp under the Software category.
NPO-21235
This Brief includes a Technical Support Package (TSP).
Software for Ground Operations for a Prototype Mars Rover
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Overview
The document outlines a software system developed for ground operations in communication with a robotic exploratory vehicle (rover) on Mars, specifically designed for the Field Integrated Design and Operations rover, a prototype for the planned 2003 Mars Explorer Rover mission. The software was created by Paul Backes and Jeffrey Norris from Caltech for NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL).
The software comprises several key subsystems, each serving distinct functions:
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Parallel Telemetry Processing (PTeP) System: This subsystem processes downlink data from the rover and stores the resulting data products in a database, ensuring that mission control has access to critical information.
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Multi-mission Encrypted Communication System (MECS): MECS facilitates secure communication between a primary terrestrial operations center and geographically distributed, Internet-based users. This system is crucial for maintaining the integrity and confidentiality of communications during operations.
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Web Interface for Tele-science (WITS): WITS displays downlinked information from the rover, including video images from various rover cameras and alphanumeric data. It allows users to collaborate in generating a sequence of commands to be sent to the rover. The interface enhances collaboration by analyzing resources, ensuring adherence to operational rules, automatically correcting errors in command sequences, and simulating the rover's states at different points in the command sequence.
The document emphasizes the collaborative nature of the software, enabling geographically dispersed users to work together effectively in real-time. This capability is particularly important for complex missions like those involving Mars exploration, where timely and accurate communication is essential for mission success.
Additionally, the document includes a notice stating that the information provided does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government or JPL and clarifies that the work was conducted under NASA's sponsorship.
Overall, this software system represents a significant advancement in the operational capabilities for Mars missions, enhancing the ability to manage and control rover activities from Earth while ensuring secure and efficient communication among team members. The development of such systems is critical for the success of future exploratory missions to Mars and beyond.
