Curiosity rover gets 'over the air' software update on Mars

Curiosity rover gets 'over the air' software update
Mars rover will get new software for surface operations

Remember the whoops and hollers when Apple announced it would allow iPhone software updates over the air? Well, this weekend NASA is attempting something a little more impressive.

NASA's Curiosity rover, currently doing its thing on the surface of Mars will receive a long-distance software update the space agency is calling 'a brain transplant.'

Naturally, the computers on Curiosity were equipped with software tuned to landing on the planet's surface, but now they'll be updated with software more suited to exploring.

The upgrade will activate the robotic arm and will incude improved image processing software to help Curiosity avoid oncoming objects.

Operating on the surface

"We designed the mission from the start to be able to upgrade the software as needed for different phases of the mission," said Ben Cichy of NASA's chief software engineer for the Mars Science Laboratory mission.

"The flight software version Curiosity currently is using was really focused on landing the vehicle. It includes many capabilities we just don't need any more.

"It gives us basic capabilities for operating the rover on the surface, but we have planned all along to switch over after landing to a version of flight software that is really optimized for surface operations."

It may be time to stop being impressed when Apple or Google gives us a slightly-improved new version of their operating systems over Wi-Fi.

Via: Engadget

Chris Smith

A technology journalist, writer and videographer of many magazines and websites including T3, Gadget Magazine and TechRadar.com. He specializes in applications for smartphones, tablets and handheld devices, with bylines also at The Guardian, WIRED, Trusted Reviews and Wareable. Chris is also the podcast host for The Liverpool Way. As well as tech and football, Chris is a pop-punk fan and enjoys the art of wrasslin'.

Latest in iOS
An iPhone running iOS 18 on a purple and blue background
iOS 18.4 could launch soon with a major upgrade to your iPhone’s notifications
Apple's Craig Federighi presenting customization options in iOS 18 at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2024.
iOS 19: new features, a new design, and everything you need to know
The Mail app running on iOS, with categories shown on-screen.
How to turn off Mail categories on iPhone, or customize them to your needs
iPhone Home Screen
iOS 19 is set to usher in a major redesign – here are 4 things being tipped for the upcoming overhaul
Three iPhones on a green and blue background showing trails on Apple Maps
iOS 18.4 will give your iPhone a much-needed maps upgrade – but only if you're in the EU
iOS 18 Control Center
iOS 19: the 3 biggest rumors so far, and what I want to see
Latest in News
inZOI promotional material.
inZOI has become the most wishlisted game on Steam, but I wouldn't get too caught up in the hype
Xbox Series X and Xbox wireless controller set to a green background
Xbox Insiders are currently testing a new Game Hub feature that looks useful, but I've got mixed feelings about it
A stylized depiction of a padlocked WiFi symbol sitting in the centre of an interlocking vault.
Broadcom warns of worrying security flaws affecting VMware tools
Microsoft Surface Laptop and Surface Pro devices on a table.
Hate Windows 11’s search? Microsoft is fixing it with AI, and that almost makes me want to buy a Copilot+ PC
Oura Ring 4
Activity tracking on Oura Ring is about to get a whole lot better, but I've got bad news about your step count
Google Pixel Buds Pro 2
Cleaned your Pixel Buds Pro 2 recently? If not, you might be getting worse sound