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NASA Rover on Strike

Mars Spirit fails to report for work

By Peter Fearon,  Newser Staff

Posted Jan 29, 2009 3:49 AM CST

(Newser) – NASA engineers are perplexed by a rebellious streak that has developed in its Martian roving robot, Spirit. It was expected to last just 90 days when it landed on Mars five years ago, but the robot has continued to send back data. This past weekend, however, Spirit failed to report for work and recorded no new data, reports Space.com.

In a bid to pinpoint Spirit's location, scientists ordered the robot on Monday to orient its cameras to the sun. Spirit responded yesterday that it had tried to follow orders, but couldn't find the sun. "We don't have a good explanation yet for the way Spirit has been acting for the past few days," said a NASA spokeswoman. "Our next steps will be diagnostic activities."

NASA's Mars Exploration Rover Spirit. Five years after it began exploring Mars, Spirit has failed to report for work.
NASA's Mars Exploration Rover Spirit. Five years after it began exploring Mars, Spirit has failed to report for work.   (AP Photo/NASA)
NASA's Mars Exploration Rover Spirit has developed an unexpected glitch which NASA scientists are struggling to diagnose.
NASA's Mars Exploration Rover Spirit has developed an unexpected glitch which NASA scientists are struggling to diagnose.   (AP Photo/NASA)
Spirit on the flank of Husband Hill on Mars. Five years after the NASA rover Spirit landed on Mars, it has developed a mysterious glitch.
Spirit on the flank of "Husband Hill" on Mars. Five years after the NASA rover Spirit landed on Mars, it has developed a mysterious glitch.   (AP Photo/NASA, Jet Propulsion Laboratory)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 4 comments
bewilderbeast
Dec 8, 2009 6:47 AM CST
Except if you actually do the sums. I agree with Mr C
Doctor-Zaius
Jan 29, 2009 6:01 AM CST
90 days to 5 years. I think we got our tax dollars worth.
riffran
Jan 29, 2009 4:34 AM CST
W.A.L.L.E........he he he....I hope the diagnostics give them a clue, and a solution

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