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To: ArrogantBustard
Sane: Good grief, it was designed to run 90 days, and we got SIX YEARS out of it. Where's the beef?"

According to NASA, the rovers 'Spirit' and 'Opportunity' have lasted more than 20 times their initial three-month mission plan, with each suffering from aches and pains associated with their longevity.

Sigh. Growing old is a bitch.

39 posted on 01/29/2009 3:14:55 PM PST by Wolfstar (Some day when we meet up yonder, we'll stroll hand in hand again, in a land that knows no parting)
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To: Wolfstar
Sigh. Growing old is a bitch.

It went to the cafeteria at 4:00 pm and forgot where it parked the car.

47 posted on 01/29/2009 3:28:32 PM PST by tvdog12345
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To: Wolfstar
According to NASA, the rovers 'Spirit' and 'Opportunity' have lasted more than 20 times their initial three-month mission plan, with each suffering from aches and pains associated with their longevity. Sigh. Growing old is a bitch.

FWIW, the 3-month mission plan was based on the expected worst-case power degradation that might result from dust buildup on the rovers' solar panels. The arrays have stayed surprisingly clear of dust (there were articles about how something had apparently cleaned them off, a couple of years back).

The electronics, sensors, etc. are space-rated, and would be expected to last much, much longer.

88 posted on 01/30/2009 11:29:07 AM PST by r9etb
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