https://www.engadget.com/2019/02/13/nasa-mars-opportunity-rover-rip/ Just found out that the Mars Rover Opportunity was declared dead this morning. A 90 day mission turned 15 year exploration of Mars ended today and I found myself tearing up. I love what the folks at NASA JPL do and their ingenuity, creativeness, and dedication to the Mars Rover project really does make this day a little sad. RIP to the little rover that could.
They haven’t had contact with it since June so I doubt it. Would be cool though if they were able to revive it but it had a great run.
These last 3 rovers that went way beyond their planned lifespans sure reversed NASA's fortunes. Here's hoping the next ones go as long.
Had to happen at some point, but what a run it had. They really got their money's worth, and the MER teams can feel justifiably proud of their accomplishment. 14.5 years on the harsh Martian surface... well done Oppy!!
It's hard to believe it's been 15 years, but wow, what a great run it had. I still clearly remember the day when it landed. It certainly went above and beyond.
curious if it comes back to life at later date will there be anyone at control center to hear/respond to it
I wondered if it was just going to keep going and... https://xkcd.com/1504/ Nice tributes here: https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=42774.260 Some felt more for Oppy than they do for Curiosity.... I have a sin to confess. During the bad old Dan Goldin days--I had a mad-on towards Delta II. It seemed like a crutch. A lot of planetary scientists were hating on shuttle-derived heavy lift's budget (along with EELV hacks) and I called the Delta II a sounding rocket and called Spirit and Opp "bomb disposal robots." I really regret that now.