NASA's Mars rover Curiosity sidelined again after computer glitch

Published March 18, 2013

Associated Press

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  This artist's concept features NASA's Mars Science Laboratory Curiosity rover, a mobile robot for investigating Mars' past or present ability to sustain microbial life. Curiosity is slated to launch toward the Red Planet on Nov. 26, 2011.NASA/JPL-Caltech

LOS ANGELES –  Another problem is preventing the Mars rover Curiosity from resuming its science experiments.

The mission's chief scientist said Monday the rover went into safe mode again over the weekend because of a computer file error. In safe mode, activities are on hold but the rover remains in contact with Earth.

Curiosity was sidelined earlier this month after a problem with its computer memory. The team had hoped to restart experiments this week when the new problem cropped up.

Since arriving at Gale Crater last year, Curiosity drilled into its first rock and determined the ancient environment could have supported primitive life. Scientists have planned more drilling before starting the long journey toward a mountain.

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White House invitations recreated using computer, despite $277G spent on calligraphers

Are three White House calligraphers really worth $277,000? 

While the three-person calligraphy staff was paid that much in salary last year, according to White House records, WUSA 9 in Washington, D.C., conducted an experiment of sorts -- using a computer to mimic the kind of White House invitations the calligraphers are responsible for. 

When they put a side-by-side of the real and impostor invitations on Facebook, the channel reports, few could tell the difference. 

The salary of White House calligraphers, among other White House staffers, have come under scrutiny as the administration starts to make budget cuts to comply with the recently enacted sequester. 

The chief calligrapher makes close to $97,000. Dozens of other senior aides and advisers made six-figure salaries last year. At the same time, the White House is moving to furlough workers -- and has come under criticism over a decision to close public tours, though that decision may now be under review. 

Click for more from WUSA9.

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