MSL Mars Rover Cryogenic Multi-Axis

FUTEK was commissioned by NASA to develop a cryogenic multi-axial sensor to operate within Curiosity's robotic arm. This sensor stands responsible to measure the torsion and force applied while the arm operates.

• • Many applications require customized solutions. Thus, FUTEK knows that when NASA approaches us, a standard off-the-shelf product won't fully fit their bill of requirements. But being that we are in the business of providing solutions, if there's a will there's a way for FUTEK to design and develop the necessary sensor needed for the job. And that's exactly what we did.
• • For the MSL Mars Rover Curiosity mission, FUTEK was commissioned by NASA JPL to develop a space/flight qualified cryogenic three component sensor. With capabilities of measuring torque and force, this sensor operates within the rover's robotic arm. As the arm maneuvers, the multi-axial sensor provides feedback to the operating device identifying the levels of torsion and force applied. The necessity of this multi-axial sensor is to alert the rover if over-exertion on the arm occurs.