Mars Rovers

Mars Sunset taken by Spirit Rover

I just have to acknowledge the amazing job that the Mars Exploration Rover project has done. Launched January 25, 2004, the Opportunity rover has operated for 2332 days – over 20 times its planned 90 day lifespan. It is still operating and sending back photos & data. Even the Spirit rover (launched June 3, 2003) which has been stuck in soft soil since May 2009 is still operational.

It’s hard enough to make things work on this planet – hats off to the design team!