(Image: NASA/JPL)
I just felt this was worth noting: NASA has given up on trying to free its Spirit...
Trapped Mars rover's driving days are over
By Rachel Courtland at NewScientist (January 26, 2010)
They still hope to revive Spirit out of hibernation once Martian winter passes so they can continue to use it as a "stationary research platform," though they are uncertain that it will survive with enough battery power intact. Even if it doesn't end up making it both rover's have far exceeded even optimistic expectations. I seem to recall that they were designed mainly for a 3-month tour of duty initially and anything beyond that would be Martian gravy. Both have been roving the planet's surface for just over six years as of this month (January 3 for Spirit, January 24 for Opportunity).
Spirit was very, very kind to NASA. Rest in peace little robotic fella...
Opportunity is still roving (or at least rovable) somewhere, but the article doesn't mention it.
More info, photos, timelines, accomplishments/milestones, and external links of relevance can be found at this Mars Exploration Rover Wikipedia page.
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3 comments:
I was so sad to hear this.
Yeah, me too. But it's astounding how well they've both performed, the durability and flexibility they've demonstrated. Truly both of them together constitute one pf NASA's greatest triumphs. I'd probably put it a very close #2 behind the moon landings.
Moon landings come first for me because people were directly involved, of course, AND they had to return home besides.
The Mars landers had much farther to go and had to endure the "bounce landings." The many engineers who designed it all obviously did a spectacular job.
The space shuttles come #3 for me. If not for the two major accidents they'd be in contention right there with the first two items. Even with the accidents factored in, though, they were still a remarkable achievement imo. (I sort of include the space station in with the shuttles as a package deal, but that's just me.)
Then there are also the Voyager and Pioneer probes and other assorted planetary flybys and drop-ins. Oh, and let's not forget the Hubble telescope (after overcoming some initial issues).
So my list is very off-the-cuff and could probably use some more thought. Still, for all the criticism NASA takes in some circles (sometimes deservedly so), they've obviously done some great work through the years.
Just found out today is the 24th anniversary of the Challenger liftoff explosion and monday will be the 7th anniversary of the Columbia breaking up on reentry.
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