Hello again blogosphere. Today I'm going to write a bit about the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter's computer systems. It is actually a similar architecture to the Mars Rovers "Spirit" and "Opportunity". While they each carry a 33MHz processor, the Orbiter has a 133MHz processor based on similar designs. The VxWorks "real time" operating system is used in both systems. However, it has greatly increased memory requirements. Because the HiRISE camera, which has been written about on this blog, takes up to 3.5 GB per picture, the Orbiter carries 20 GB of onboard memory, which is used for all of its functions. The Orbiter gets all of its power from two solar panels which can maintain 32 volts to the Orbiter's systems.
In November of 06, the Mars Global Surveyor powered down after a faulty software update left it unable to charge its batteries. One would hope that NASA now has procedures in place to more extensively test their modifications to the VxWorks based OS. The problem lies in the Orbiter being able to correctly diagnose what is wrong with it without human help, and without being able to actually trust its sensors. This is a bit like having to diagnose whether there is a gas leak in your house without the use of your nose.
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