Astronomy
Previously, I wrote about the Mars Exploration Rover Spirit being embedded in a patch of rocky Martian soil. NASA today designated Spirit to be no longer fully mobile. The decision is taking place after months of effort and numerous commands for movement that have failed at moving the robot.
However, the important aspect of this news is that the rover is not dead, and is actually still able to perform many observations and contribute to scientific research. Previously, these types of observations and experiments may have been ignored to make time for other experiments while driving. For example, Spirit is now studying the small wobbling movements in the rotation of Mars with radio-tracking to learn about the red planets core, such as if it is liquid or solid. The robot may also additionally study the composition of the nearby Martian soil and the characteristics of the Martian atmosphere, among many other topics.
Still, the most important movements Spirit will have to make before it can begin its work will probably be to better position itself for the coming winter. The rover will need to adjust the positioning of its solar panels to collect enough power from the low rising sun in the winter time. The power will allow the robot to warm its internal components during the harsh cold winter. The positioning and additional power will also allow better communication with the Earth.
Although Spirit may not still be able to make the same track, like its last tracks pictured above, it has still surpassed all original expectations, lasting much longer than its intended 90-day mission since January 2004. Although "Troy" (the nickname for its current location) will be its final resting place, Spirit will continue performing valuable work as long as possible.
- Power For Martian Homes
Have you ever played with the idea that your future generations could be building their homes in Martian soil. Yes, it can be very much possible ........ a house in Mars . How they will they get energy for using it at home and for cutting rocks ??????...
- Spirit Rover Finally Moves In Martian Soil
Spirit Rover which was stuck in Martian soil since April, 2009 has finally showed some movements from its current position. The Spirit Rover team is trying to get her out from the sand trap in which she has got stuck. Enjoy the animations of recent movement...
- Spirit Struggles With Soft Soil
NASA?s Mars Exploration Rover Spirit is facing one of its biggest challenges yet with a patch of soft soil that is currently holding the rover hostage. During recent attempts to drive around the Home Plate area of Mars, Spirit?s wheels have sunk about...
- Spirit Rover Resumes Driving On The Red Planet
PASADENA, Calif. -- NASA's Mars Exploration Rover Spirit drove on Thursday for the first time since April 8, acting on commands from engineers who are still investigating bouts of amnesia and other unusual behavior exhibited by Spirit in the past...
- Mars Exploration Rover Mission In Possible Danger
A huge dust storm on Mars, covering the southern hemisphere of Mars almost completely, has put the future of the Mars Exploration Rovers Mission in danger. A smaller dust storm has also appeared elsewhere on Mars, adding further danger. The largest dust...
Astronomy
Permanently Stationary Spirit
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| Spirit's Last Tracks Before It Got Stuck NASA/JPL-Caltech |
Previously, I wrote about the Mars Exploration Rover Spirit being embedded in a patch of rocky Martian soil. NASA today designated Spirit to be no longer fully mobile. The decision is taking place after months of effort and numerous commands for movement that have failed at moving the robot.
However, the important aspect of this news is that the rover is not dead, and is actually still able to perform many observations and contribute to scientific research. Previously, these types of observations and experiments may have been ignored to make time for other experiments while driving. For example, Spirit is now studying the small wobbling movements in the rotation of Mars with radio-tracking to learn about the red planets core, such as if it is liquid or solid. The robot may also additionally study the composition of the nearby Martian soil and the characteristics of the Martian atmosphere, among many other topics.
Still, the most important movements Spirit will have to make before it can begin its work will probably be to better position itself for the coming winter. The rover will need to adjust the positioning of its solar panels to collect enough power from the low rising sun in the winter time. The power will allow the robot to warm its internal components during the harsh cold winter. The positioning and additional power will also allow better communication with the Earth.
Although Spirit may not still be able to make the same track, like its last tracks pictured above, it has still surpassed all original expectations, lasting much longer than its intended 90-day mission since January 2004. Although "Troy" (the nickname for its current location) will be its final resting place, Spirit will continue performing valuable work as long as possible.
- Power For Martian Homes
Have you ever played with the idea that your future generations could be building their homes in Martian soil. Yes, it can be very much possible ........ a house in Mars . How they will they get energy for using it at home and for cutting rocks ??????...
- Spirit Rover Finally Moves In Martian Soil
Spirit Rover which was stuck in Martian soil since April, 2009 has finally showed some movements from its current position. The Spirit Rover team is trying to get her out from the sand trap in which she has got stuck. Enjoy the animations of recent movement...
- Spirit Struggles With Soft Soil
NASA?s Mars Exploration Rover Spirit is facing one of its biggest challenges yet with a patch of soft soil that is currently holding the rover hostage. During recent attempts to drive around the Home Plate area of Mars, Spirit?s wheels have sunk about...
- Spirit Rover Resumes Driving On The Red Planet
PASADENA, Calif. -- NASA's Mars Exploration Rover Spirit drove on Thursday for the first time since April 8, acting on commands from engineers who are still investigating bouts of amnesia and other unusual behavior exhibited by Spirit in the past...
- Mars Exploration Rover Mission In Possible Danger
A huge dust storm on Mars, covering the southern hemisphere of Mars almost completely, has put the future of the Mars Exploration Rovers Mission in danger. A smaller dust storm has also appeared elsewhere on Mars, adding further danger. The largest dust...