Spirit Ready For Another Cold Martian Winter
Pasadena CA (JPL) Feb 12, 2010 Spirit is now parked for the winter in the embedded area called "Troy" on the west side of Home Plate. The last winter-preparatory movement of the rover was commanded on Sol 2169 (Feb. 8, 2010). The rover was commanded to flatten the suspension system on the right side and accentuate the suspension wheelie on the left side, all to enhance northerly tilt. Very little change in tilt was achieved. At this point, the project is now adjusting various rover parameters and positioning the robotic arm for the winter period. The communication window for various fault conditions has been adjusted to the optimal time of day during the coldest part of the winter. A special table of long-range UHF communication passes is being developed to cover the entire winter period and beyond. As of Sol 2170 (Feb. 9, 2010), the rover solar array energy production was to 185 watt-hours with an atmospheric opacity (tau) of 0.292 and a dust factor of 0.527. Total odometry is 7,730.50 meters (4.80 miles)
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Spirit Prepares for Winter Pasadena CA (SPX) Feb 04, 2010 Sol 2151-2158 : Spirit is still embedded in the area called "Troy" on the west side of Home Plate. Energy levels for Spirit have been decreasing rapidly as winter approaches. To prepare for winter, the project is taking actions to improve northerly tilt of the rover to maximize solar illumination. The best approach has been to drive Spirit backwards. The drives employ a wheel steering acti ... read more |
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