The Mars Rovers, Spirit and Opportunity, have proved to be a sound investment for NASA. The project cost $820 million for NASA, a relatively small amount for the work they have done. The rovers were expected to only last three months, but have now been on the Red Planet for four years. However, the rovers are now feeling their age. In an article on itwire.com, William Atkins discusses the various problems with the two rovers. Opportunity cannot use its infrared spectrometer, the rock abrasion tool is working without its computer encoder, the right wheel has stopped spinning and turning, and the motor that moves its arm at its shoulder joint is worked as less torque than normal. Spirit's front wheel has a broken motor, and its rock abrasion tool is having problems of its own, with the computer not being able to determine if the grinder head is moving or not. Despite these technical difficulties, NASA believes the two rovers can still remain active for several more years.
Article: http://www.itwire.com/content/view/15506/1066/
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