From: hsuri@usc.edu   
      
   U are right there are star / sun sensors that are used to locate stars and   
   match it to an existing database and then a triangulation is done   
   If ure in orbit around the earth ., GPS constellation may also be used in   
   ingenious ways.   
      
      
   "Ray"  wrote in message   
   news:a0232c56.0401170424.7014d3fb@posting.google.com...   
   > As a software/system engineer, I'm very curious about the software   
   > (and hardware) organization in the MER's control system.   
   > Is there any link to detailed technical information on these   
   > topics?   
   > How is hardware organized?   
   > Which IO does the hardware address?   
   > How is software organized?   
   > How does it communicate with JPL?   
   > The information on the MER's homepage   
   > (http://origin.mars5.jpl.nasa.gov/home/) is fun to start with, but I'd   
   > like to know more on software and hardware details.   
   > Any pointers are appreciated...   
   >   
   > Further a related topic that I'm interested in:   
   > How do you navigate in space? Is there a camera that takes images from   
   > stars and tries to match that with an internal computer map? How is   
   > this done?   
   > Again, which hardware and software is used for this?   
   >   
   > Ray   
      
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