I'm not sure of the technical logistsics... but wouldn't this be a great opportunity for maybe a university or private science laboratory to take over one of the rovers? Or the ESA?
I think it's still amazing that the twins are still running after all this time. They were only designed to last what, 3-6 months. (who says Americans can't design quality!)
Actually tom, many components were 'off-the-shelf' parts, some of which quite possibly came from China.
And the reason they lasted much longer than anticipated is because they expected the solar panels to be dusted over after 3-6 months and lose power...it turns out that the panels being the height they are off the ground, the dust blows off them pretty easily. So they made sure everything would work for at least 3-6 months, and didn't test them much further than that.
It would be a good idea to get some other funding, such as from a university as you suggest, CharlieX, or some type of private funding. I would venture a guess that the scientific value is still quite high.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
CharlieX @ Mar 25th 2008 1:46PM
I'm not sure of the technical logistsics... but wouldn't this be a great opportunity for maybe a university or private science laboratory to take over one of the rovers? Or the ESA?
mt @ Mar 25th 2008 1:59PM
I think it's still amazing that the twins are still running after all this time.
They were only designed to last what, 3-6 months. (who says
Americans can't design quality!)
tom @ Mar 25th 2008 2:16PM
Because in most case, it is designed in US, made in China. I doubt any part of the rover ever made abroad.
iPod for example
"Designed in Cupertino California, Manufactured in China"
Kamokazi @ Mar 25th 2008 2:23PM
Actually tom, many components were 'off-the-shelf' parts, some of which quite possibly came from China.
And the reason they lasted much longer than anticipated is because they expected the solar panels to be dusted over after 3-6 months and lose power...it turns out that the panels being the height they are off the ground, the dust blows off them pretty easily. So they made sure everything would work for at least 3-6 months, and didn't test them much further than that.
CharlieX @ Mar 25th 2008 2:46PM
You know guys... the reply feature should be used to REPLY to a comment. Not gab on about some tangent.
And never call robots "the twins" again. That's grounds for banishment.
What a great chance for some advanced robotics lab to get their hands on some bad ass robots. MIT grads would eat it up. right?
happy_penguin @ Mar 25th 2008 10:26PM
It would be a good idea to get some other funding, such as from a university as you suggest, CharlieX, or some type of private funding. I would venture a guess that the scientific value is still quite high.