In 2004, two mobile robots landed on Mars and began exploring, a gig expected to last only for three months. That has now stretched into three years and the rovers are on the verge of more important discoveries. Despite mechanical problems and challenges that came close to grounding Opportunity and Spirit, both are still going strong as they start their fourth year. Luck seems to always be with the rovers. Power supplies drop dramatically when dust piles up on the rovers‘ solar panels, but the Martian winds always clean them up. When a wire failed in a motor on Opportunity’s arm, the rover had to pause in its trek towards the large Victoria Crater. The spot where it stopped gave scientists their best example of a pattern in rocks that shows liquid water once flowed on the surface of Mars.
Meanwhile, engineers have written and uploaded new software to teach the rovers smarter ways of operating. For instance, a rover will automatically start exploring a target after reaching it. NASA approved a fourth mission extension for the rovers that will last for a year. The cost so far is $894 million, and $27 million more will continue the mission into 2008…
NASA Mars Team Teaches Old Rovers New Tricks to Kick Off Year Four