Mars Science Laboratory

The Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) is designed to explore the environment of Mars, particularly to investigate whether the planet has environmental conditions favorable for supporting microbial life. Honeybee Robotics has developed two integral systems for the MSL rover, Curiosity, the Sample Manipulation System (SMS) and the Dust Removal Tool (DRT) which will enable the mission to explore and analyze the Martian environment.

MSL landed on Mars in August 2012 and is currently exploring Gale Crater and the base of Mount Sharp.

Honeybee’s work for the MSL mission builds on the success of the previous work for the Mars Spirit and Opportunity rovers, for which Honeybee developed the Rock Abrasion Tool (RAT) the first machine ever to gain access to the interior of rocks on another planet; and the Icy Soil Acquisition Device (ISAD) also known as the “Phoenix Scoop” for the Mars Phoenix lander.

Related Technologies

• Flight Electromechanical Systems
• Deployment & Positioning
• Robotic Systems
• Transmissions & Drivetrains