NASA: Curiosity Computer Unlocked

NASA has just announced that the Curiosity spacecraft's onboard computer has just returned to its active mode. The system had gone into safe mode after experiencing problems with a corrupted computer - which enabled a backup, but set the machine to “hibernate” for security.

The whole process took place over the period of one week. According to the agency, the time was required for the backup computer, the "B-Side", to assume all the functions of the main, the "A-Side".

Cosmic radiation possibly

Although the causes of the problem have yet to be ascertained, NASA suspects space radiation - which would have affected A-Side memory. In any case, this is the most serious problem facing the rig in seven months.

But the Mars Sciente Laboratory project manager is optimistic about a resumption: “We are making a lot of progress towards recovery. The first step is to evaluate A-Side to make it a backup [for B-Side, now enabled]. In addition, we need to go through several steps with the B-Side - such as informing you about the general state of the rover - the position of the arm, the mast, that kind of information. ”