Inside joke is hidden in the wheels of Mars Curiosity rover

Borg 386 · 17 Aug 2012

At least one design element of the Mars Curiosity rover–its wheels–combine function and whimsy, as they contain an inside joke.

Find out what it is:

Geek Trivia: What inside joke is hidden in the wheels of the Mars Curiosity rover? | TechRepublic

FuturDreamz · 17 Aug 2012

So you don't have to read the article: The wheels have irregularly spaced holes so the tread can be used to measure distances in photographs. The holes are in the form of Morse code, and spell "JPL" in honor of Caltech’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory,

Layback Bear · 17 Aug 2012

Just a little for those of you that don't know the code.

pincushion · 18 Aug 2012

Layback Bear said:

Just a little for those of you that don't know the code.

For those who don't use morse code much - like around 99.9% of us - an easy way to work out what is what is to match opposite pairs - such etimsoh, anudvb, rkpx, etc. although it is a little messy for some of them.

pincushion · 18 Aug 2012

FuturDreamz said:

So you don't have to read the article: The wheels have irregularly spaced holes so the tread can be used to measure distances in photographs. The holes are in the form of Morse code, and spell "JPL" in honor of Caltech’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory,

So the first advertising hits Mars - is nothing sacred [joke] ....

Chilidawg · 18 Aug 2012

I used to be able to copy 20 or so words per minute. I should get back into it again.

73

Layback Bear · 18 Aug 2012

I was a Radio Man on a old submarine (Boat) U.S. Navy. Morse Code was 99% of all incoming and outgoing traffic. I still tap out code when seeing things on T.V. or signs in the places I go. It has been mentioned to me when in such places. Layback Bear your tapping again and I quiet. Habit
Yes submarines are called Boats. The one below is a Smoke Boat or Pig Boat. WWII vintage.