Opportunity Recharging Batteries In Between Drives
Pasadena CA (SPX) Apr 28, 2010 Opportunity drove three times in the last week, spending time between drives to recharge her batteries. Because of the approaching winter solstice, solar array energy levels have been dropping. Opportunity must pause from driving for a sol or two to recharge her batteries sufficiently to drive again. On Sol 2213 (April15, 2010), Opportunity drove about 66 meters (217 feet). After recharging on Sol 2214 (April 16, 2010), the rover drove on Sol 2215 (April 17, 2010), traveling only about 36 meters (118 feet). With two sols of recharging, Opportunity drove on Sol 2218 (April 20, 2010), achieving almost 66 meters (217 feet). The plan ahead is more driving as energy allows. As of Sol 2218 (April 20, 2010), the solar array energy production was 247 watt-hours with an atmospheric opacity (tau) of 0.348 and a dust factor of 0.4995. Total odometry is 20,553.25 meters (20.55 kilometers, or 12.77 miles).
Share This Article With Planet Earth
Related Links Mars Rovers Mars News and Information at MarsDaily.com Lunar Dreams and more
Winter Solstice Just Three Weeks Away For Spirit Pasadena CA (SPX) Apr 28, 2010 Spirit remains silent at her location called "Troy" on the west side of Home Plate. No communication has been received from the rover since Sol 2210 (March 22, 2010). It is likely that Spirit has experienced a low-power fault and has powered off all sub-systems, except her master clock. The rover will use the available solar array energy to recharge her batteries. When the batteries ... read more |
|
The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2010 - SpaceDaily. AFP and UPI Wire Stories are copyright Agence France-Presse and United Press International. ESA Portal Reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. Advertising does not imply endorsement,agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by SpaceDaily on any Web page published or hosted by SpaceDaily. Privacy Statement |