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Mars Rover Will Rove No More

NASA gives up trying to get it unstuck from the sand

By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff

Posted Jan 26, 2010 5:15 PM CST
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(Newser) – NASA has given up on trying to get the Spirit rover out of the Martian sand trap it's been stuck in since May. Calling the rover's position "a golfer's worst nightmare," engineers are now focused on simply helping the rover to survive the Martian winter. If it does, Spirit could continue to function as a fixed science outpost, reports Space.com.

"This is not a day to mourn Spirit. This is not a day of loss," says NASA's director of Mars exploration, stressing that the rover way outlasted its 90-day mission before getting stuck. " Its driving days are likely over, however its contribution will continue ." To survive the harsh winter coming, the team will put Spirit into a hibernation of sorts.


This image provided by NASA July 14, 2009, shows an image from NASA's Mars Exploration Rover Spirit. It was taking exposures with different color filters to capture a dust devil.
This image provided by NASA July 14, 2009, shows an image from NASA's Mars Exploration Rover Spirit. It was taking exposures with different color filters to capture a dust devil.   (AP Photo/NASA)
This 2005 image provided by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory shows a synthetic image of the Spirit Mars Exploration Rover on the flank of Husband Hill on Mars.
This 2005 image provided by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory shows a synthetic image of the Spirit Mars Exploration Rover on the flank of "Husband Hill" on Mars.   (AP Photo/NASA, Jet Propulsion Laboratory)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 26 comments
passinthru
Feb 12, 2010 7:14 AM CST
well, if its the failsafe design i guess that only means one thing doesnt it? let see here, they know what the surface consists of mostly, why not create an atmosphere to test it in...and yes round, you can make a lab out of a ball and put the parts internally with a exterior that is fully capable of using its own momentum without costing the device maneuverability . the booster would be a last resort to get it out of tough situations...like sand.
Robert_Dada
Jan 30, 2010 5:49 AM CST
My mistake Rob, I meant to call you Astroglide.
Rob
Jan 27, 2010 12:55 PM CST
Oh look everyone, dada is trying to pick a fight again and will finish by spouting hollow phrases about how smart he is. He is a premier troll of the newser community. You are obviously out of your league, dada. Go read a book.

 
NASA • Spirit • Mars rover

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