NASA To End Communication Attempts With Spirit Rover
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Artist concept of Mars Exploration Rover. Image Credit: NASA
Today NASA announced the conclusion of communication attempts with the Mars Exploration Rover Spirit, which scientists last communicated with over a year ago on March 22, 2010.
The last transmission in the latest series of attempts will end on Wednesday, May 25. The science team has maintained communications attempts during the past ten months, in the hopes that Spirit may re-activate once favorable solar energy levels returned after the martian winter. Considering the low power levels, and lack of energy to run the onboard survival heaters, the rover’s sensitive electronics were likely exposed to the coldest temperatures experienced by Spirit.
The chances of Spirit recovering from the frigid temperatures have become increasingly low in recent months, and the communications equipment used by the Spirit mission, including NASA’s Deep Space Network of antennas on Earth, plus two NASA Mars orbiters that can relay communications, are required to be re-tasked for the upcoming Mars Science Laboratory mission, launching later this year.
“We’re now transitioning assets to support the November launch of our next generation Mars rover, Curiosity,” said Dave Lavery, program executive for solar system exploration. “However, while we no longer believe there is a realistic probability of hearing from Spirit, the Deep Space Network may occasionally listen for any faint signals when the schedule permits.”
Originally scheduled for a 90 “sol” (martian day) mission, Spirit landed on Mars on Jan. 3, 2004. Spirit, like it’s twin rover, Opportunity far surpassed the designed lifetime and have accomplished many additional science objectives. While Spirit appears to be off-line for good, Opportunity continues to explore the surface of Mars.
For more information on the Mars Exploration Rovers, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/rovers
Source:NASA/JPL Press Release
Ray Sanders is a Sci-Fi geek, astronomer and blogger. Currently researching variable stars at Arizona State University, he writes for Universe Today, The Planetary Society blog, and his own blog, Dear Astronomer
2012-12-04 08:06:06
Source: http://www.dearastronomer.com/2011/05/24/nasa-to-end-communication-attempts-with-spirit-rover/
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