Spacecraft: Surface Operations Configuration: Rover

In some sense, the Mars Science Laboratory rover´s parts will be similar to what any living creature would need to keep it "alive" and able to explore.

The rover will have a:

• body:   a structure that protects the rovers´ "vital organs"
  
  
• brains:   computers to process information
  
  
• temperature controls:   internal heaters, a layer of insulation, and more
  
  
• "neck and head":  a mast for the cameras to give the rover a human-scale view
  
  
• eyes and other "senses":  cameras and instruments that give the rover information about its environment
  
  
• arm:  a way to extend its reach
  
  
• wheels and "legs":  parts for mobility
  
  
• energy:  batteries and power
  
  
• communications:  antennas for "speaking" and "listening"