Hide/Show Archive Navigation.

All News

May 03, 2013

NASA Rover Prototype Set To Explore Greenland Ice Sheet

Autonomous GROVER Will Help Scientist Understand Changes In The Ice

NASA's newest scientific rover is set for testing May 3 through June 8 in the highest part of Greenland. The robot known as GROVER, which stands for both Greenland Rover and Goddard Remotely Operated Vehicle for Exploration and Research, will roam the frigid landscape collecting measurements to help scientists better understand changes in the massive ice sheet. This autonomous, solar-powered robot carries a ground-penetrating radar to study how snow accumulates, adding layer upon layer to the ice sheet over time.

Tests Wednesday Simulated Two Types Of Parachute Failures

A test version of NASA's Orion spacecraft safely landed during a simulation of two types of parachute failures Wednesday. In the test, conducted in Yuma, AZ, the mock capsule was traveling about 250 mph when the parachutes were deployed. That is the highest speed the craft has experienced as part of the test series designed to certify Orion's parachute system for carrying humans.