The rover Opportunity is working on Mars for 12 years

On Geektimes there is a good tradition - every year, about the same time to remind readers of the existence of the Mars rover Opportunity. This device operates on the red planet for 12 years! If you remember, the mission initially considered satisfied if the rover will be able to work away from the Earth 90 Martian days.

But that deadline passed, and then it took another 90 days. And so, day after day, years passed. The rover honorably withstood all the trials and continues to work, exploring new territories.

He arrived on Mars on Jan. 24, 2004. The size of the smaller rover Curiosity, therefore lower it to the ground, it was decided with the help of a giant air cushion. The cost of developing and delivering the rover has paid off repeatedly. Opportunity has made many discoveries, including detection of indirect evidence the existence of liquid water on Mars. So, it was discovered a freshwater clay, which is a direct proof of the existence of fresh water in Mars' past. Freshwater clay found near the crater Endeavour, with a diameter of 25 kilometers. Opportunity is now gradually moving along the edge of the crater, examining interesting parts. In one such survey cutter was removed surface layer of the stone in this place, and using a spectrometer, scientists were able to determine the composition of the rocks.



It turned out that in the breed - a high content of elements such as silicon and aluminum, and some parameters of the composition suggest that it is - clay, formed under the influence of fresh water. We note that earlier also found traces of water, but it was salt water with high levels of acidity, which, according to some scholars, was not suitable for life.

In 2011, the rover began to explore the surroundings of the crater Endeavor, and since then has acquired in this area. Opportunity have no nuclear power, it is powered by solar energy. If the solar panels dust covers, or enters the shadow of the rover, the work stopped, and lost contact with Earth for many days.

By the way, the rover broke the record to overcome the way to another planet - in the last year has been overcome marathon, and now the counter continues to count more and more kilometers. In the same 2015 NASA released a video, which contains the most interesting moments Oppotunity stay on Mars.



What is left is to wish that the persistent device worked for many years. What do you think, how much more will hold Opportunity?

Less than a year

1-2 years

3-5 years td >

Yes, he and all of us will survive! Voted 94 people. Abstain 7 people. Only registered users can participate in the survey. Sign , please. Source: geektimes.ru/post/269924/