Six years ago today...

[gblake]

Originally Posted by JesseK

Should we embark on a manned mission to Mars in the next 100 years, I vote that we bring Sprit back. If that little bot doesn't represent a modern-day epoch in scientific discovery, I don't know what does. The thing just doesn't quit!

Happy Birthday indeed.

Who says we will be finished using it?

[EricH]

Meh, if men are on Mars at that point, Spirit's probably just about done anyway, as the Earth-based labs that will be studying Mars for a while will be too busy with Martian rocks/soil to take in data from either rover. Bring the rover(s) back, give them their x-year maintenance, and send 'em back out to find more cool stuff on Mars, if they're still in shape for that. (If not, Smithsonian or a NASA museum--driving around.)

[JesseK]

I was simply being selfish in wanting the rover in a Smithsonian in DC since I live so close . Hopefully I'll be able to see one of the rovers in person one day ... hopefully.

[DonRotolo]

Six years.

I think what we have here is a case of everyone involved in the design doing their very best under difficult conditions - and, as it turns out, their very best was far more than it needed to be. OK, we'll take it.

It cost a few dollars, but ended up being a huge bargain for us taxpayers. Good thing Dave declined the extended warranty.

Today I sent in a letter of recommendation for a former 1676 student for a NASA internship. I hope she gets it, since she's the type that'll get us to Mars before I leave this life. And I'd like to see that.

[indieFan]

Congrats to the team.

Just out of curiosity, what was their Factor of Safety? Was it higher than normal?

indieFan