>>The Mars rover Spirit is starting to show its age, and it's nearing the start of a long, cold winter. Now, its solar panels are covered with dust - compare the two images below:
>>
>>Clean:
http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA03272>>Dusty:
http://marsrovers.jpl.nasa.gov/gallery/press/spirit/20071210a/JC4-Sol1355A_1358A_DeckPan_L456atc_br2.jpg>>
>>Despite their extended time in a very harsh environment, both rovers continue to function. Kudos to the engineers and scientists involved for a job very well done.
>
>The next model should have a feather duster... and then it'd last pretty much forever.
>
>Really incredible. They were designed to last how long - couple of months?
The original mission length was 90 sols (Martian days, a little over 24.5 hours).
Regards. Al
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