It looks like you're using an Ad Blocker.
Please white-list or disable AboveTopSecret.com in your ad-blocking tool.
Thank you.
Some features of ATS will be disabled while you continue to use an ad-blocker.
Originally the Curiosity mission was planned to last for two years. However, NASA are hoping to extend it indefinitely with the aim to operate the mission as long as it’s scientifically viable. Just how long the rover will be trundling along the martian surface is currently open for debate but NASA officials estimate a much longer period of 10, 12 or even 15 years.
originally posted by: JAY1980
a reply to: gortex
Considering it was designed to only last 2 years. I'd say that is an impressive testament to the engineers at NASA. Drive it till the wheels fall of I say!
Originally the Curiosity mission was planned to last for two years. However, NASA are hoping to extend it indefinitely with the aim to operate the mission as long as it’s scientifically viable. Just how long the rover will be trundling along the martian surface is currently open for debate but NASA officials estimate a much longer period of 10, 12 or even 15 years.
Link
originally posted by: gortex
It's a testament to NASA that a little remote controlled trolly on a planet 249 million miles away is still trundling along doing science 12 years after it arrived on its 3 month mission and over 5 years since the the loss of it's sister rover Spirit , it has suffered a few memory problems recently but haven't we all.
Opportunity has traveled 26.5 miles across the martian plains since touchdown and has yet more to travel , but until then here's the 26.5 miles in an an 8-minute time lapse to celebrate both the Rover's and NASA's achievement.
Happy Anniversary guys , great job.
And how they dropped it on mars surrounded by ballons. I didnt believe it then and I dont believe it now. NASA is and always was full of snip.
No one said anything about sky cranes, where did that even come from?
On the other hand, you've suggested NASA is not lying because...why?
Because it makes us feel better when we salute the flag?