NASA to Begin Attempts to Free Sand-Trapped Mars Rover

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NASA to Begin Attempts to Free Sand-Trapped Mars Rover:

"NASA will begin transmitting commands to its Mars exploration rover, Spirit, on Monday as part of an escape plan to free the venerable robot from its Martian sand trap.

Spirit has been lodged at a site scientists call 'Troy' since April 23. Researchers expect the extraction process to be long and the outcome uncertain based on tests here on Earth this spring that simulated conditions at the Martian site."

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Mars Rover Update

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Hi! I thought you'd be interested in this story from Science@NASA:

Back in 2004, most experts would have said this story is impossible. No rover could possibly survive long enough on Mars for a five-year update. Yet here it is. Mission scientists reveal what Spirit and Opportunity are up to on the Red Planet today--and what their prospects are for the future. http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2009/26mar_marsroverupdate.htm?friend

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