The Rover Sequencing and Visualization Program (RSVP) is the software tool for use in the Mars Exploration Rover (MER) mission for planning rover operations and generating command sequences for accomplishing those operations. RSVP combines three-dimensional (3D) visualization for immersive exploration of the operations area, stereoscopic image display for high-resolution examination of the downlinked imagery, and a sophisticated command-sequence editing tool for analysis and completion of the sequences. RSVP is linked with actual flight-code modules for operations rehearsal to provide feedback on the expected behavior of the rover prior to committing to a particular sequence. Playback tools allow for review of both rehearsed rover behavior and downlinked results of actual rover operations. These can be displayed simultaneously for comparison of rehearsed and actual activities for verification.
The primary inputs to RSVP are downlink data products from the Operations Storage Server (OSS) and activity plans generated by the science team. The activity plans are high-level goals for the next day’s activities. The downlink data products include imagery, terrain models, and telemetered engineering data on rover activities and state. The Rover Sequence Editor (RoSE) component of RSVP performs activity expansion to command sequences, command creation and editing with setting of command parameters, and viewing and management of rover resources. The HyperDrive component of RSVP performs 2D and 3D visualization of the rover’s environment, graphical and animated review of rover-predicted and telemetered state, and creation and editing of command sequences related to mobility and Instrument Deployment Device (IDD) operations. Additionally, RoSE and HyperDrive together evaluate command sequences for potential violations of flight and safety rules. The products of RSVP include command sequences for uplink that are stored in the Distributed Object Manager (DOM) and predicted rover state histories stored in the OSS for comparison and validation of downlinked telemetry.
The majority of components comprising RSVP utilize the MER command and activity dictionaries to automatically customize the system for MER activities. Thus, RSVP, being highly data driven, may be tailored to other missions with minimal effort. In addition, RSVP uses a distributed, message-passing architecture to allow multitasking, and collaborative visualization and sequence development by scattered team members.
This tool was developed by Brian Cooper, Frank Hartman, Scott Maxwell, Jeng Yen, John Wright, and Carlos Balacuit of Caltech for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. For further information, access the Technical Support Package (TSP) free online at www.techbriefs.com/tsp under the Software category.
This software is available for commercial licensing. Please contact Karina Edmonds of the California Institute of Technology at (818) 393-2827. Refer to NPO-30845.
This Brief includes a Technical Support Package (TSP).
Rover Sequencing and Visualization Program
(reference NPO-30845) is currently available for download from the TSP library.
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Overview
The document is a Technical Support Package for the Rover Sequencing and Visualization Program (RSVP), developed by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). It serves as a comprehensive resource detailing the RSVP's role in the Mars Exploration Rover (MER) Program, emphasizing its significance in managing and visualizing rover operations on Mars.
The RSVP is designed to facilitate the planning and execution of rover commands, enabling operators to visualize the rover's activities and the Martian environment effectively. The document outlines the program's heritage, highlighting its evolution and the technological advancements that have shaped its development. It discusses the driving requirements for the RSVP, which include the need for high-performance graphics and responsive user interfaces to ensure smooth interaction during mission operations.
A key focus of the document is the design philosophy behind the RSVP, which prioritizes user experience and operational efficiency. It addresses the challenges faced by the operations team, such as processing vast amounts of data and creating validated command sequences for the rover. Each Martian day, or "Sol," the operations team must generate complex command sequences, sometimes comprising up to 1,500 commands, to direct the rover's movements and scientific tasks.
The document also delves into the trade-offs and decisions made during the development of the RSVP, including the selection of hardware platforms, operating systems, programming languages, and libraries. These choices are critical to achieving maximum performance and ensuring that the system can handle the demands of real-time data processing and visualization.
Additionally, the Technical Support Package provides information on the broader context of NASA's Commercial Technology Program, which aims to disseminate aerospace-related developments with potential applications beyond space exploration. It encourages further exploration of NASA's resources, including access to the NASA Scientific and Technical Information (STI) Program Office for additional research and technology information.
In summary, the document encapsulates the RSVP's vital role in the MER Program, detailing its design, operational requirements, and the technological innovations that enable successful rover missions on Mars. It serves as a valuable resource for understanding the complexities of rover operations and the advancements in space technology facilitated by NASA.
