The above picture is the Dr. Stroupe, one of NASA engineer.

Getting Your Rover Driver's License


Initially, Stroupe was among a team of experts who interpreted data sent back by the rovers – analyzing the machines' movements and activities. When still more engineers moved on to other projects, the mission team began to recruit new drivers; experience driving on Mars wasn't necessary – training would be provided. Stroupe was accepted and driving school began.

Of course it is not necessary to have experience driving on Mars but yes an Earth off-road driving is a must. The ones who has that kind of experience, knows and have better judgment to select the route to follow.

As with any driver's education class, you don't just hop into the driver's seat at JPL. Stroupe shadowed a team of eight expert rover drivers. Like responsible parents, skilled drivers hand down knowledge to the newbies, including certain tricks and styles suited to the distinct personalities and unique environments of each rover.

"It's like trying to drive a car by writing a computer program," Stroupe said. "We have to tell it to turn a certain amount, drive a defined distance, take a picture or use its autonavigation function that allows it to reach goals on its own – all while ensuring its safety."

Her last words in the press:

"And whether anybody ever knows my name or not, they'll see my [rover] tracks – I guess I have made my mark on Mars!"

More details, http://www.spacedaily.com/news/mars-mers-05zzzzt.html

As you know there are different driving skills, ones for racing, other for jumping, other for climbing mountains and finally other to surf dunes. So the Mars drivers must have off-road Earth's experience knack skills for off-road driving, ones who does not get scared to go a steep step (this is only good) and neither to a steep climbing (this is good too) and also know what kind of sand is apt to surf (this is still no one word).

Rodolfo