Mars Rover Takes One Small Step For A Robot While Attempting To Free Itself From Deep Sand
Writing by Evan Ackerman on Monday, 23 of November , 2009 at 12:16 am
Spirit, one of the two rovers currently on Mars, has been stuck in the sand for about six months now, and the prognosis is not great. After months of testing here on Earth, engineers have started sending commends to the poor little rover, and it actually looks like Spirit is starting to dig its way out. The picture above shows the tiny bit of progress, which is about 100x less far than the rover would have moved had it followed the move command it was sent without being stuck. But progress is still progress, and another similar move has been planned. JPL is trying not to be too optimistic, though: “Extrication drives are expected to make slow, if any, progress in coming weeks, and the probability of success in escaping from Troy is uncertain.” We’ll keep you updated.
[ Free Spirit ]
[ Press Release ]
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Category: Space
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