The AMS Group Makes Second Trip to Mars
NASA JPL Curiosity Rover to Navigate Rough Terrain
SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif., Aug. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Having proven their skills on the Mars Exploration Rovers (MERs) Spirit and Opportunity in 2003, The AMS Group was again chosen by NASA JPL to provide sophisticated wheels and other components for the new Mars Science Laboratory and Curiosity Rover. Curiosity achieved a successful landing on the red planet this past Sunday for sample gathering and analysis. The AMS Group is a strategic alliance between Next Intent, Tapemation and C.L. Hann Industries.
Recognizing the previous success on MERs, additional key chassis and spacecraft components were sourced from The AMS Group this time. The Mars Science Laboratory spacecraft acted as a crane to lower the rover to the surface. Landing in Gale Crater and eventually climbing Mount Sharp, Curiosity Rover will climb higher than the altitude of California's Mt. Whitney.
Curiosity is about twice as long and five times as heavy as the MERs and inherited the six wheel drive and suspension system. This new generation rover is engineered to roll over obstacles up to 65 centimeters (25 inches) high. The AMS Group-supplied components are essential to successful operation around the research region while protecting the scientific gear from vibration and jolts.
Critical structural panels and platform base of the spacecraft were delivered to the NASA Mars Science Laboratory team according to specifications. The panels were machined by AMS Group partner Tapemation. Over 90% of the original weight of raw material was machined on 5 & 6 axis machining centers.
"This project provided a perfect opportunity to leverage the expertise and machining equipment services offered by the three AMS Group partners," stated Rodney Babcock, President of Next Intent. "Allowing the design to be specified for the most appropriate metal fabrication tools and assembly techniques enabled us to deliver the best possible results to NASA. In addition, by leveraging the existing and well coordinated AMS Group, the JPL team could focus on other components of the project."
Photos:
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About The AMS Group
The AMS Group is a strategic alliance of three companies working together to provide manufacturing solutions to Aerospace, Technology and Defense clients. The AMS Group uses a collaborative approach that delivers optimally designed and effectively manufactured components and assemblies within identified precision specifications and requirements, often with enhanced performance.
With more than 100 years of combined experience, Next Intent, Tapemation and C.L. Hann Industries produce super precision components, vibration isolation flexures and assemblies to very large weldments and structures. Work is performed under AS9100 and ISO 9001 certification.
More information on Mars Science Laboratory.
Press Contact:
Next Intent
Rodney Babcock
+1.805.781.6755, x-111
[email protected]
http://www.nextintent.com
C.L. Hann Industries
Pete Hann
+1.408.293.4800 x-13
[email protected]
Tapemation
John Stepovich
+1.831.438.3096
[email protected]
This press release was issued through eReleases® Press Release Distribution. For more information, visit http://www.ereleases.com.
SOURCE The AMS Group
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