Full Version: The Planetary Society Rover's Update (February 29, 2008)
One seriously odd statement about Oppy in the update:It's She's got plenty of power.
QUOTE
Since the rover was experiencing considerable sliding, even before it reached the chosen locale, the MER team made a decision to stay on the upper end of Gilbert and investigate another, closer spot the team dubbed Gilbert_A. "After considering this slope and the possible benefits might be of going the extra meter and a half or so to the original target, the decision was made to stay where we are and declare this location as the winter haven," said Matijevic.
Winter haven?? I've heard nothing about parking Oppy for the winter.
That really is a curious comment. I find it difficult to imagine parking Opportunity for the winter when all reports suggest she has watt hours to spare, and no shortage of targets. I hate to sound negative, but the large number of typographical and grammatical errors in this update lead me to suspect that no one has proof-read the article. This could simply be a mistake that was not recognized. 
I suppose it's possible he simply meant they foresee 6-8 months of science in the general area, and the winter haven comment was a bit tongue in cheek. That seems excessive, given the time spent at the other layers. I guess it's all speculation until someone in the know fills us in.
Brian
Brian
QUOTE (CosmicRocker @ Mar 2 2008, 07:27 AM) 
but the large number of typographical and grammatical errors in this update lead me to suspect that no one has proof-read the article.
That's a possibility but I must say that I realy like these updates. We sometimes find afterward answers we were looking for about what was the meaning of this drive or this manoeuvre etc. I'm not sure TPS intended to keep these updates that long but there are informations we don't find elsewhere.
Climber: Please don't misinterpret my comment. 
I am also a devoted fan of these excellent rover updates. As you pointed out, they are often a valuable source of information that is not available elsewhere. I was only trying to cautiously suggest that the publication process that is being used could be improved upon with some additional layers of review.
I am also a devoted fan of these excellent rover updates. As you pointed out, they are often a valuable source of information that is not available elsewhere. I was only trying to cautiously suggest that the publication process that is being used could be improved upon with some additional layers of review.
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