Rover nears crater science trove

[OXO]

Rover nears crater science trove

Nasa's robotic Mars rover Opportunity is closing in on what could be the richest scientific "treasure trove" of its mission so far.

Within the next two weeks, Opportunity should reach the rim of a crater wider and deeper than any it has visited in more than two-and-a-half years on Mars.

Rocks exposed in the walls of Victoria Crater could open a new window into the geological history of the Red Planet.

Opportunity has been exploring Mars' Meridiani Plains since January 2004.

Its "twin", the Spirit rover, continues to explore Gusev Crater on the other side of the Red Planet.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/5322962.stm

[Caz]

Is this the very Rover that was only supposed to last 3 months or so on Mars?

Caz

[Astroman]

Yup. Both Spirit and Opportunity were slated for 90 day missions. Anything past that was icing on the cake. So far, it's been a HUGE cake!

[OXO]

It's amazing what these rovers have done and the Team behind them 8)

[FLO]

Good find James

[The Warthog]

I didn't know Mars had a crater called 'science trove!' Is it just going to open a window with those rocks, or are they going to throw them at someone's caravan? So many questions! I'll have to read that article. Anyone seen my medication?

[FLO]

[OXO]

Anyone seen my medication?

4 Puffballs coming right up!

[lunator]

Yup. Both Spirit and Opportunity were slated for 90 day missions. Anything past that was icing on the cake. So far, it's been a HUGE cake!

And loads and loads of icing :p

[geppetto]

It's amazing what these rovers have done and the Team behind them

Wish the same team had built my Fiat Panda

[Kenny_10_Bellys]

Bet your Fiat is faster though.

They say they're being kept alive by the fact that the winds and dust-devils across the plainsare blowing the dust off the solar panels and keeping them functioning. Personally I think there next rover should have something high-tech like an air-duster or wiper blades, but that's just low-tech old me.

[Kaptain Klevtsov]

They won't last much longer, as getting a Rover serviced these days is apparently a nightmare. Same with MGs as well. Still they lasted longer than planned, that's better than http://www.mg-rover.com/static/node15540.html

Captain Chaos

[The Warthog]

I still think they should have gotten them an RAC membership. And probably AA, too. After all, they're less likely to have an accident if they're sober. Doesn't the RAC give service wherever you break down? :insects1:

[Kenny_10_Bellys]

I'd love to see how they handled that particular call.

Reminds me of my days as a bored telephone engineer, calling pizza houses in San Francisco and ordering pizzas for street addresses here in Central Scotland. They'd cheerily tell you it'd be there in 30 minutes or you got it free. Want a bet?