14 DAY TRIAL // On June 10, 2003, a Delta II rocket carrying the Spirit Mars Exploration Rover (MER) took off from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. It managed to successfully land on the Red Planet on January 4, 2004, at 04:35 Ground UTC, which was roughly six years ago. Its mission was to survey its destination for about 90 sols, which is roughly equal to three months, but it managed to endure for a lot longer. In fact, next to its twin robot, Opportunity, the machine endured for more than 2,134 sols.
In spite of having suffered numerous damages, the small explorer kept on going through five Martian winters, which is no easy feat. The six Earth years it spent there translated into approximately 3.2 Mars years, and the craftsmanship of those who put the robots together was really visible during the cold seasons. Temperatures on Mars can reach extremely low levels, and keeping electronic systems operational, as well as sufficient levels of energy flowing from the solar panels is very difficult.
This was achieved nonetheless, and several times in a row. Now, as the robot begins its sixth year on the Red Planet, concerns are mounting that it will be its last. Unlike other years, when mission managers at the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) had sufficient time to position both Spirit and Opportunity in advantageous positions to spend the winter, this time things are worse. The first rover is stuck inside a patch of loose soil called Troy, which has been claiming the robot hostage for about nine months. Experts are unsure whether they will be able to extricate the rover or not.
The main issue is the fact that the machine can only rely on the full function of four of its wheels. In 2006, its front-right wheel jammed, and the robot has been driving backwards ever since. After it entered Troy, its right-rear wheel also jammed, less than a month ago. Interestingly enough, the previously stuck wheel showed signs of activity, though admittedly only sporadic. The main goal that the JPL team has now is to position the rover in the best way possible to prepare it for the rough months of coldness ahead. MER Project Manager John Callas, from the JPL, warned when the extrication efforts first started that there was a very good chance they might be unsuccessful.
Regardless of how much time Spirit manages to endure, its mission is a resounding and complete success that provides researchers with new information every day. It allowed geologists to peer into the history of Mars' soils and waters, and also to analyze the chemical make-up of the soil the robot was cruising over. Even when stuck in Troy, Spirit made a big discovery, namely the fact that it was parked astride the rim of a crater. While concerns over the first rover continue, Opportunity is still riding along halfway around the planet. Its “birthday” is on January 24.