[MadnessASAP]

I'm sure that there exists a real reason, but I choose to believe that it's because NASA is made of engineers, and engineers are by nature not practical people. They want to design a solution, not find a solution.

If they'd asked the technicians then they would've landed on Steve with his target rifle, or just a plate with a few spikes in it to drive the wheel over. Y'know, simple, straightforward, and absolutely no drawings required.

[maxlin]

Might be true lol. NIH (Not Invented Here) syndrome with the first part of "if it's not even invention, it's a worthless solution"

[klyrs]

NIH doesn't describe this. They bought a model tank from a hobby shop and strapped a drill to it. For an organization plagued by accusations of excessive costs, this is downright cheap. NIH would involve a purpose-built rover to the tune of millions of dollars.