Mars rovers extended
Wednesday, 17 Oct 2007 12:27
The Spirit rover landed in 2004
Science In Focus
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Mars exploration rovers Spirit and Opportunity have had their time on the red planet extended for the fifth time.
The twin rovers landed on Mars in January 2004 for what was originally intended to be a 90-day mission.
But the results they have produced led to Nasa deciding to increase the mission length.
The space agency said that given the current condition of Spirit and Opportunity, they could possibly work into 2009.
"We are extremely happy to be able to further the exploration of Mars," said Alan Stern, associate administrator for Nasa's science mission directorate.
"The rovers are amazing machines, and they continue to produce amazing scientific results operating far beyond their design life."
John Callas, rover project manager at Nasa's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, added: "After more than three-and-a-half years, Spirit and Opportunity are showing some signs of ageing, but they are in good health and capable of conducting great science."
To date, Spirit has driven 7.26 kilometers (4.51 miles), returning more than 102,000 images. Opportunity has driven 11.57 kilometers (7.19 miles), producing more than 94,000 images.