Robotic Observatories & Rovers
Curiosity Rover (MSL)
Vehicle: Atlas V | Launch Site: Cape Canaveral Space Force Station
Spacecraft Architecture & Subsystem Engineering
A breakdown of the electrical power, computing payload, communication networks, and vehicle dynamics of Curiosity Rover (MSL).
⚡ Electrical Power Subsystem
Multi-Mission Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator (MMRTG) converting heat from Plutonium-238 decay into electricity.
💾 Flight Command Computer
Dual redundant RAD750 flight computers running VxWorks, with 256 MB of RAM and 2 GB of flash storage.
📡 Communications Antenna
High-gain steerable X-band antenna and UHF antenna for direct communication with Earth and Martian orbiters.
⚖️ Mass and Propulsion
899 kg.