20060101
AP Source Article on the PressRepublican.com
Two years after trundling off their landing platforms on the hostile and alien surface of Mars, the rovers Spirit and Opportunity are still going, which is an amazing feat for two robotic explorers that were expected to last ninety days in that harsh and unforgiving climate.
The success of that mission speaks to the future of what we will be able to do if we focus on the combination of manned and robotic exploration of distant worlds and of our own planet. The technology that went into designing the Mars rovers was not particularly advanced or sophisticated, it was merely gathered together in one place and put to use.
Here’s to another year for the rovers that won’t quit.
DLH
Absolutely amazing what we are learning about Mars and how to repair damage from Earth. Hats off to those who pushed to keep the funding going to this program and those who are involved!