NASA Extends Rover Occupation of Mars

iocat writes "Reuters reporting that NASA is extending the Rover missions on Mars by another five months. However, they point out that while the rovers look poised to greatly exceed their planned life cycle, they could basically die at any time. Still, it will be cool to see a little more exploration."

It's NOT "occupation".

[Dark Lord Seth]

It's "liberation" instead, people.

Occupation?

[pldms]

It's an occupation of Mars now? I thought the were just tourists.

Hope they didn't skimp on construction.

[PIPBoy3000]

"However, while Spirit is past its 'warranty', we look forward to continued discoveries by both rovers in the months ahead."

Maybe they should have gotten that rust-proof coating after all.

Wow

[Auckerman]

Who would have thought they would extend it again [slashdot.org] this soon after extending it the first time?

Rover occupation of Mars?

[Anonymous Coward]

That's a bit of a loaded phrase, isn't it? "Oh, Bush is President, and the rover is on Mars! It's an occupation! Free Mars!!!"

Re:well, at least...

[Anonymous Coward]

Want to bet? Casualty rates amoung mars bound rovers are many times higher than casualty rates in Iraq or Afganistan.

Free MARS!

[xmorg]

End the occoupation of mars! We are the ALIENS HERE, violating the privacy of our neighbors by sending back constant images of their sacred homeland. this calus discregard for intergalactice rights is appauling!!!

Re:It's NOT "occupation".

[Anonymous Coward]

Not Troll, +1 Funny.

Especially funny when you consider that the Martian Defences were reallllllly good at taking out bogies until NASA pulled an unprecedented 3 for 3, 100% success on their landers.

Continue the liberation of Mars! Soon it will look just like Earth, scattered bits and pieces of long-range weapo^Wmetal everywhere.

All we need is some smog and we can call it home!

Rivers?

[Unnngh!]

From the article:

NASA said it would spend $15 million more to keep the rivers exploring the planet's surface through September.

A bit optimistic about the discovery of water on Mars, aren't we?

Oh?

[Ensign Regis]

Were we planning to send them back at some point?

occupation

[mikeg22]

I wonder how long until the native get restless, and we get the Martian equivalent of Al'Sadr resisting the occupation?

Sweet

[Unregistered]

Now they can go look for Beagle

Re:It's NOT "occupation".

[flewp]

You mean Roverlords.

When they do fail ...

[dnamaners]

I wonder what could be done with them when they do fail?

my top picks in no particular order:
1.) Auction them off on Ebay (like that channel drill) and make the buyer pick em up. that may help finace the manned mars mission goal ... Russions pickup worlds most expensive a door stop...

2.) Call AAA for a tow, membership has its rewards.

3.) File insurance clames on the loss. Perhaps NASA could cite water damage.

4.) But probably the best use, 3 words, "interstellar p0rn server". Lets "spread" our culture among the stars. That of course would require NASA still be able to upload a "firm ware" upgrade.

*brain is: [ ] in, [ X ] out to lunch, [ ] gone home for the day

excessive lifetimes

[Dr. Mojura]

while the rovers look poised to greatly exceed their planned life cycle, they could basically die at any time.

Kinda like Dick Clark?

Re:Software Issues

[kitzilla]

Justin, who names the rocks? You guys are clearly having too much fun in that department.

How about letting Slashdotters name one? C'mon -- nobody will notice. It's just us geeks here.

From a future JPL release:

The rover Opportunity started sol 365 this morning with a quick brush-off of the rock known as "Linux Rules." Later today, Opportunity will turn its attention to another feature, a dull-looking boulder called "SCO Drools."

Re:Let's hear it again for JPL

[El_Smack]

I think the only limit will be the Martian dust collecting on their solar panels.

Maybe NASA can cut a deal with the DOJ to go easy on Martha Stewart in return for her help on this. If anyone could find a simple, yet attractive solution it's her. Recycle the impact ballons into attractive doilies for the panels or something.

Or even better, get the Anal Retentive Carpenter from SNL to make a nice "Solar Panel Cozy" for it.

Drones

[westies-from-hell]

Why do I have these mental images of Huey and Dewey [imdb.com] wandering around, planting trees...?

Good - maybe they will run out of songs then

[Pvt_Waldo]

Personally I'm sort of tired of all the "cute" stuff. Like the wakup music and the rock names.

It's like reading a wedding announcement or something. "And the chief scientist wore a stunning black outfit, and his research maids wore matching green shirts with long sleeves rolled up. Custom pencils were used by all. The guests were delighted to see palm pilots made available for everyone, each customized with a charming orange Mars theme!"

Re:It's NOT "occupation".

[dhalgren99]

7. ???
8. Profit!