Posted by BC on January 3rd, 2010
The martian winter is setting in, and Spirit may have limited life left after its six Earth years of unexpected service. Spirit was made for only three months, but it has surpassed all expectations, even while being stuck in the martian soil.
With winter setting in, scientists do not know whether Spirit will survive another long, cold season. Dust is blocking Spirit’s solar panels, and sunshine is limited. Dust storms are intensifying, and the little rover may be conducting its last maneuvers.
Spirit has surprised scientists before, so let’s not count it out until we see what occurs during the martian winter, and what may come in spring. More on Spirit and the martian winter.