[X] My Assistant

[Astro0]

So, perhaps a new topic is warranted now that the MER team has decided on the location for Spirit's 2008 winter retreat - 'Home Plate North'. (See: Planetary Society MER Update)

So, first question to our UMSF team - 'Could someone pinpoint the winter location on a Hi-Rise photo of Home Plate?'

Tesheiner's route map (above).

I note with interest, that the last time I started a topic on Spirit (Spirit's New Adventures - The Mission Beyond 1,000 Sols) it was on November 7th, 2006. As I write this, it's November 2nd 2007 and we are seeing the Rovers move into their THIRD Martian year (coming up to four Earth years).

An incredible achievement, an incredible journey, and it's not over yet!

Astro0

[fredk]

I would add the following observation. From what we've heard, it sounds like von Braun/Goddard are the next science targets the team is most interested in. Power levels on Spirit are currently sufficient for driving and science, and (depending on how favourable the surface is en route) they could probably make a good shot at reaching vB/G before winter. So I would argue that if the planners thought the odds were poor that we would survive another winter at Home Plate North, then for the sake of maximizing science return an attempt would be made to reach vB/G immediately. This would be done with the understanding that she would probably not survive this coming winter, so it would be her final target. Drive to vB/G as quickly as possible and study it as much as possible before her final Big Sleep.

But this hasn't happened, and so the fact that she's been sent to HP North with its more favourable and easily accessible slopes suggests to me that they think the odds are reasonable that she will survive another winter and continue to vB/G next year. That's good news. As frustrating as it is to have to wait until another Martian spring, I'd certainly prefer long term life to a brief final hurrah.

[climber]

As frustrating as it is to have to wait until another Martian spring, I'd certainly prefer long term life to a brief final hurrah.

I have to agree to this but, come on, once we'll stop in the right spot that'll be another 7 months waiting for spring to bloom with no move at all.
OK, that wayyyyy shorter than waiting for NH to get to Jupiter. Anyway I'm having hard time to figure out how our F1 fan can be facinated by such a slow vehicule.

[djellison]

I'm having hard time to figure out how our F1 fan can be facinated by such a slow vehicule.

My two favorite vehicles of all time - Thrust SSC, and MER - just about the fastest and slowest vehicles made my man.
My two favorite noises - a BRM H16, and a Delta II

Technology, engineering - I love it - in any form.

Doug