Another Extension for Spirit and Opportunity

The twin Mars Exploration Rovers, Spirit and Opportunity, have been given another six-month extension (which will take the mission almost a full year past the original 90-day plan following an earlier five-month extension).

The rovers are just emerging from 12-day communications blackout period when Mars passed nearly behind the sun, and have also passed the winter solstice on Mars – now days will get longer and the rovers will get more sunlight to keep their batteries charged.

Plans are for Spirit to drive to the top of Husband Hill so it can get a view all the way to the edge of Gusev Crater, and Opportunity will drive out of Endurance Crater to take a peek at its nearby discarded heat shield and then make a 3-mile drive to Victoria Crater.

Posted on September 21, 2004
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