Mars Rover Sniffs First Hint of Water?

Posted by simoniker on Monday January 12, 2004 @09:31AM from the probing-in-the-rain dept.

mhw25 writes "It is reported that the Mars rover Spirit is already well into its scientific mission, and may be detecting hints of water. The mini-Thermal Emission Spectrometer has returned its first image, with probable evidence of carbonates and hydrated minerals. We may know more after the rover rolls off its landing base, after making a 120 degree turn to avoid the airbag blocking its front ramp, to start analyses on soil from Thursday or Friday. An ongoing intrigue is already developing - a scientist reckoned that some of the soil around the airbag 'looks like mud, but it can't be mud'."

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rrrrrrreeeennnnnhhhh... plop! by novakane007 · 2004-01-12 10:39 · Score: 1, Redundant

I wonder if they have anyway to test the depth of this "mud" before they pull off the lander? Wouldn't it be horrible if the multi-million dollar lander finnaly pulled off the platform and became stuck in the surrounding dirt?

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WURD!!