spacetoday.net: NASA extends Mars rover mission again

NASA extends Mars rover mission again

Posted: Tue, Oct 16, 2007, 7:29 AM ET (1129 GMT)
Mars Exploration Rover (NASA/JPL)

NASA announced Monday that it has once again extended the mission of its twin Mars Exploration Rovers, Spirit and Opportunity, allowing the spacecraft to continue operating for up to two more years. The extension, the fifth for the mission, would allow rover operations to continue through 2009, provided the spacecraft remain operational. The rovers, which landed in January 2004 for a planned 90-day mission, have experienced some technical glitches but otherwise are in good health. Spirit, which landed in Gusev Crater, has driven over 7.2 kilometers, while Opportunity, which landed in Meridiani Planum and is now exploring Victoria Crater, has traveled 11.6 km.