The front and rear wheels are independently steerable, providing the capability for the vehicle to turn in place. The microrover is powered by a 0.22sqm solar panel comprised of 13 strings of 18, 5.5mil GaAs cells each. The WEB is insulated, coated with high and low emissivity paints, and heated with a combination of 3, 1W RHUs, resistive heating under computer control during the day and waste heat produced by the electronics.
Control is provided by an integrated set of computing and power distribution electronics.
When motors are off, the computer conducts a proximity and hazard detection function, using its laser striping and camera system to determine the presence of obstacles in its path. The vehicle is steered autonomously to avoid obstacles but continues to achieve the commanded goal location. While stopped, the computer also updates its measurement of distance traveled and heading using the averaged odometry and on-board gyro. This provides an estimate of progress to the goal location. Command and telemetry is provided by modems on the microrover and lander.