Mars Rovers Showing Signs of Age

By Jon Heizer

“Spirit and Opportunity, the two robotic vehicles roving the red planet, have lasted more than 22 months, far longer than anyone anticipated”

Even though they have lasted longer than the initial 90 days, there are signs of wear and tear on the rovers. So far Opportunity’s mechanical arm has stopped moving and one of its steering actuators has blown out. Spirit is in much better condition. Its only problem is its rock abrasion tool wore out after taking 15 samples. The tool was only supposed to be able to take 3 samples, so researchers are happy with the information they have received.

The Spirit and Opportunity have traveled 5.5 and 6.5 kilometers respectively in temperatures that can change up to 100 degrees Celsuis each day. Together, the 2 rovers have sent back 130,000 images of Mars.

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