Amazing!! I didn't realize the Rover was still going? Wasn't it supposed to have run out of steam last year sometime.
Damn thing must have those energizer batteries that pink rabbit uses.
Both rovers are still going. I believe they were expected to have a minimum usefull life span of around 3 months. I think new years eve will be 3 years for the first one and the second will reach the 3 year marker a month or so later.
Both Rovers are still going. They were projected to run for about 3 months. They are now going on almost 3 years. It is fun to watch them explore.
There was more wind than expected and the solar panels have stayed relatively clear.
They were supposed to have a lifespan of 90 days; instead, they've kept going for close to 900. I'd say we got more than our tax-dollars' worth out of those two.
Still better than the Europeans have managed to do; their last probe did a faceplant on Mars, and while it did have the capability of flipping itself back over, they didn't think it was important and they left out the battery power needed to do so. Ooops.
I believe the current score is US 4, Europe 1, Martian Air Defenses 4, Martian Ground Defenses 0.
Some details on the power systems of the Mars rovers ("Spirit" and "Opportunity") from wikipedia:
Power and electronic systems:
When fully illuminated, the rover solar arrays generate about 140 watts for up to four hours per Martian day (sol). The rover needs about 100 watts to drive. The power system for the Mars Exploration Rover includes two rechargeable lithium ion batteries (weighing 16 pounds (7.15 kg) each), that provide energy for the rover when the sun is not shining, especially at night. Over time, the batteries will degrade and will not be able to recharge to full power capacity. For comparison, the future Mars Science Laboratory is expected to last approximately one Martian year using radioisotope thermoelectric generators to power its large suite of instruments. Solar panels are being considered for an MSL mission (or missions), but RTGs provide versatility to work in dark environments and high latitudes where solar energy is not an efficient method for power generation.
It was thought that by the end of the 90-sol mission, the capability of the solar arrays to generate power would likely be reduced to about 50 watts. This was due to anticipated dust coverage on the solar arrays, as well as the change in season. However, almost two Earth years later, the rover's power supplies hover between 300 watt-hours and 900 watt-hours per day, depending on dust coverage. Cleaning events (probably wind) have occurred more frequently than NASA originally anticipated, keeping the solar arrays relatively free of dust and extending the life of the mission.