Spirit marks one year on Mars
Posted: Tue, Jan 4, 2005, 7:57 AM ET (1257 GMT)
NASA celebrated Monday the first anniversary of the landing of the Mars Exploration Rover Spirit, a spacecraft originally expected to operate for just 90 days on the surface of the planet. Spirit, currently working its way through the Columbia Hills several kilometers from its landing site in Gusev Crater. Scientists said Spirit recently found a rock "unlike anything seen before on Mars", with jumbled textures that may have been caused by a meteor impact or volcanic explosion. The rover remains in good condition, although project engineers said random problems that could cripple the rover are always possible. Spirit's twin, Opportunity, will mark its first anniversary on Mars on January 24.
NASA celebrated Monday the first anniversary of the landing of the Mars Exploration Rover Spirit, a spacecraft originally expected to operate for just 90 days on the surface of the planet. Spirit, currently working its way through the Columbia Hills several kilometers from its landing site in Gusev Crater. Scientists said Spirit recently found a rock "unlike anything seen before on Mars", with jumbled textures that may have been caused by a meteor impact or volcanic explosion. The rover remains in good condition, although project engineers said random problems that could cripple the rover are always possible. Spirit's twin, Opportunity, will mark its first anniversary on Mars on January 24.
Related Links:
| <<previous article | next article>> |
|
news in brief
|
|
|
|
news links
|
|
Tuesday, February 9
Calling ET: Your chance to send a message to alien life
The Daily Telegraph — 7:42 am ET (1242 GMT) CU-equipped craft to launch on Wednesday
Denver Post — 7:41 am ET (1241 GMT) Crew inspects shuttle after launch, heads for space station
CNN — 7:40 am ET (1240 GMT) Endeavour Inspection Shows No Launch Damage
Central Florida News 13 — 7:40 am ET (1240 GMT) What's next? No rush. 'We've got plenty of time'
Huntsville Times — 7:40 am ET (1240 GMT) |