Mars Exploration vehicle survives test.

• Author: Foster, Sharon
• Position: Tech Talk

The Dynamic Test Model Rover, which NASA uses in the Jet Propulsion Laboratory's Mars Exploration Rover Mission,. recently completed a simulator test successfully.

A facility operated by National Technical Systems was the earth-based testbed for two new JPL Rovers scheduled for launch in the spring and summer of 2003, said a spokesman.

The test subjected the vehicle and landing equipment to the harsh landing conditions of Mars. By simulating the 33 G landing-load environment, the test challenged the Rover's...