[blam]

NASA forgot to include 'mud-flaps' on the rover.

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[night reader]

NASA forgot to include 'mud-flaps' on the rover.

Actually, they included mud-flaps but they were English mud-flaps and don't fit properly on the metric wheels.

[Professional Engineer]

NASA forgot to include 'mud-flaps' on the rover.

How about these?

[theDentist]

I don't get this. If something is blocking it now, it'll still be there 3 days from now. Turn on ignition and start moving fwd. Geez.

[mikrofon]

JPL: "You ... yeah, YOU! ..... Could ya move those airbags outta the way so we can get this thing out of here??

[Dialup Llama]

Don't believe what NASA says. The Mars Rover Spirit's path is being blocked by this:

[farmfriend]

bttt

[NormsRevenge]

In a separate, European mission, the British-built Beagle 2 has not been heard from since its mother ship set it loose toward the Red Planet in mid-December. Another attempt to reach the probe failed to pick up a signal on Wednesday.

---

Just Damn!!!

Go Spirit!!!

[spokeshave]

" NASA forgot to include 'mud-flaps' on the rover "

My mud flaps are outlines of the toon and shrillary in stainless steel on 1/4 inch thick rubber flap.

You can mount either on the left as appropriate.

[apillar]

The way that one of the experts explained the problem was that they weren't worried that the rover couldn't drive over the airbag, (the rover can drive over obstruction up to 10 inches high). The were worried that the airbag might snag on the solar panels and damage them or entrap the rover. The chance of this happening is very slim, but they aren't willing to risk it when there are several other options open.

[hattend]

If scientists are unable to clear the path, Spirit can roll down either of two other ramps. Those maneuvers would require the rover to perform a robotic pirouette, however, to ensure it faced the right direction.

Why delay it then? Do the pirouette and get it off the lander. Serves two purposes: Get's the mission underway and it makes sure the rover drive wheels work.