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Mars Rover Opportunity Sets Longevity Record

Posted by Soulskill on from the keeps-going-and-going-and-going dept.

s31523 writes "The Mars rover Opportunity has beaten the original record of six years and 116 days operating on the surface of Mars, originally set by the Viking 1 Lander. While the Spirit rover has been on the surface longer than the Opportunity by three weeks, it has been out of communication since March 22. If Spirit comes back online, it will attain the new Martian surface longevity record. This feat, right on the heels of another longevity feat (Voyager 2 and twin on the verge of entering interstellar space and still kicking) is healing some of NASA's past black eyes. It is quite remarkable given original spec of 90 days for the mission. With the passing of the solstice, warmer temperatures and more sun will likely mean the rover will continue on."

2 of 61 comments (clear)

  1. Reduces black eyes, but readies 'em for a beating by Dynedain · · Score: 5, Insightful

    This feat ... is healing some of NASA's past black eyes. It is quite remarkable given original spec of 90 days for the mission.

    Until some congressional asshat takes a look and argues "NASA builds things to last 25 times longer than specified. Ergo they are spending too much and their budget is 25 times higher than it should be."

    --
    I'm out of my mind right now, but feel free to leave a message.....
  2. Re:Every frickin' time. by blair1q · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Human beings are not connected by a hive mind. Every one of them has to be told something individually. Even in a broadcast situation, you have to put out enough photons and phonons in enough directions to get the message to all the ears. And anyone who isn't in the room when you do it will cause you or someone else (or a webserver) to repeat the message to them personally.

    There. All better. Now go play.