GGB Bearing Technology has announced that its DU metal-polymer bearings played a crucial role in the rover that recently landed on Mars, popularly known as Curiosity.

The DU metal-polymer bearings are vital components in Curiosity’s drill, which the rover uses in acquiring rock samples from the Martian landscape. These self-lubricating bearings are extremely durable and can function in Mars’ very inhospitable environment where temperatures range from -328^o F (-200^o C) to +536^o F (+280^o C).

DU metal-polymer bearing segments were used as the main component for the drill spindle, which is one of four vital parts that enable the drill to operate amidst Mars’ extreme environment.

Apart from the spindle that allows the bit to rotate, there are other important drill components such as the linear translation mechanism, a percussion mechanism that hammers the bit, and a chuck that releases and engages the bit.

GGB Bearing Technology
www.ggbearings.com