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Thread ID: 72805	2006-09-26 16:43:00	The Little Robot That Could.....	SurferJoe46 (51)	PC World Chat

Post ID	Timestamp	Content	User
487538	2006-09-26 16:43:00	The NASA Mars Rovers are still going strong: www.nasa.gov (there are videos) The conception, development and operation of the rover program have cost about $900 million......considered a bargain for a major space program....... since it began in earnest in 2000. While the rovers could grind to a halt any day, it is also possible that they will continue their missions for months. When the Mars rovers Opportunity and Spirit reached their distant destination in early 2004..... NASA scientists hoped the vehicles would probe the planet's frigid landscape for 90 days before they pooped out or were disassembled by the harsh Martian environment. ("Do not disassemble Johnny-5!") More than 900 days later, however, both robotic explorers are going strong -- and Opportunity is literally on the cusp of what is likely to be its greatest accomplishment. After enduring an 18-month trek through rugged terrain, dust devils and daily temperature swings approaching 200 degrees.....the rover has arrived within easy lens view of a deep and geologically revealing crater. By tomorrow, if all goes well, the little robot that could will be right at Victoria Crater's edge and in position to peer inside and send back images like none seen before.	SurferJoe46 (51)
487539	2006-09-27 02:03:00	I await impatiently for the result	personthingy (1670)
487540	2006-09-27 02:18:00	Hope it knows how to stop at the edge........ oops.	Scouse (83)
487541	2006-09-27 08:23:00	The things we do to amuse ourselves.	Cicero (40)
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