Agilent software development tools test Mars Exploration Rover mission's communications equipment

The goal for the Mars exploration Rover mission is to assist scientists in learning and understanding the history of water on the red planet. The Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), a division of the California Institute if Technology in Pasadena, is hoping to provide more detailed data than previous missions through the use of the Mars rovers Spirit and Opportunity. Key to their success is the integrity of the systems that enable two-way communications and data transmission between mission control on Earth and the rovers on Mars. Agilent Technologies provided the critical testing tools needed to validate the communications equipment for this mission. VEE Pro helps engineers in a broad range of industries, including aerospace and satellite communications, develop accurate test systems using a standards-based, easy-to-use graphical programming environment that intuitively simplifies and speeds test-system development. Many third party companies are very willing to cooperate and work with NASA in hopes of making history one day.