Opportunity Rover Encounters Its Own Heat Shield

blamanj writes "Mars Rover Opportunity, a few meters shy of the 2km mark on its odometer, has come across the remains of the heat shield from its landing. This map traces the path of the rover for the past 11 months. It's been averaging about 6 meters/sol. Spirit, which had to stop to dislodge a rock, is still climbing the "Columbia Hills". It's tough going, and Spirit experiences slippage of up to 80% as it climbs the hills."

Comments

Re:Must have been a classic "WTF?!" moment at the

[Rob Carr]

Since I assume that they would not know the precise location of the shield

They already knew where the heat shield was. They had a picture from the Mars Orbiter camera that let them know exactly how far away it was. There's actually been several pictures. I forget how long ago they knew, but they've known for some time where it was.

I don't think anyone thought either rover would last this long, so it's only now that they get around to looking at it.