NASA Ends Mars Rover Escape Attempts
Posted in: NASA, science, Space Tech, Today's Chili
NASA announced that it has abandoned efforts to free the stuck Spirit Mars Rover after a six-year journey on the red planet, Space.com reports. The rover had been stuck in soft Martian sand just underneath the surface for the past nine months.
The good news: the space agency isn’t abandoning the rover altogether. NASA engineers are now preparing Spirit to survive the winter in Mars’ southern hemisphere, the report said, after which the rover will take on the role of fixed science outpost.
“This is not a day to mourn Spirit. This is not a day of loss,” said Doug McCuistion, director of NASA’s Mars exploration program, in a teleconference. “Its driving days are likely over, however its contribution will continue.” Possible studies include the dirt around the rover, as well as a very interesting chance Rover’s radio signals could help scientists figure out if the core is molten by recording the planet’s motion.
The other Mars Rover, Opportunity, meanwhile, is doing just fine on the other side of the planet, and is currently heading toward Endeavor, a huge crater. (Image credit: NASA)
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