Mars rover may not revive
Posted: Sat, Jul 31, 2010, 9:53 AM ET (1353 GMT)
The Mars Exploration Rover Spirit, in a "hibernation" mode since late March, may not recover, NASA warned on Friday. Spirit entered a power-conservation mode on March 22 as it entered the depths of Martian winter because not enough sunlight was reaching its solar panels to keep the rover operating. Project officials have started efforts to restore communications with the rover but have not heard anything from the rover yet, although it may take until September or October before the rover's batteries are fully charged. Engineers are particularly concerned that low temperatures during the hibernation period could have damaged the rover's electronics. Spirit has been on Mars since January 2004, although since April of last year has been stuck in a patch of sandy soil. Spirit's twin rover, Opportunity, continues normal operations elsewhere on the planet.
The Mars Exploration Rover Spirit, in a "hibernation" mode since late March, may not recover, NASA warned on Friday. Spirit entered a power-conservation mode on March 22 as it entered the depths of Martian winter because not enough sunlight was reaching its solar panels to keep the rover operating. Project officials have started efforts to restore communications with the rover but have not heard anything from the rover yet, although it may take until September or October before the rover's batteries are fully charged. Engineers are particularly concerned that low temperatures during the hibernation period could have damaged the rover's electronics. Spirit has been on Mars since January 2004, although since April of last year has been stuck in a patch of sandy soil. Spirit's twin rover, Opportunity, continues normal operations elsewhere on the planet.
Related Links:
| <<previous article | next article>> |
|
news in brief
|
|
Vast signs contract with SpaceX for ISS private astronaut missions
Posted: Sat, Dec 21 11:59 AM ET (1659 GMT) Avio signs ESA contracts for Vega upgrades and Earth science satellite launch
Posted: Sat, Dec 21 11:57 AM ET (1657 GMT) |
|
news links
|
|
Thursday, December 26
Buy SpaceX Stock With Ease, But Beware The Risks
Forbes.com — 7:35 am ET (1235 GMT) ESA Enlists Portuguese Navy Submarine to Prepare for Deep Space
European Spaceflight — 7:22 am ET (1222 GMT) Has CNES Opened the Door for a European Space Station?
European Spaceflight — 7:21 am ET (1221 GMT) Scientists await signal from spacecraft after historic close encounter with the sun
NPR — 7:19 am ET (1219 GMT) Summer read: Cosmic Catastrophes
Cosmos Magazine — 7:18 am ET (1218 GMT) |
