NASA To Try Powering Mars Rover "Spirit" Out of Sand Trap

coondoggie writes "NASA's long-running Mars rover Spirit is stuck in a sand trap — a situation the space agency would like to fix. Yesterday NASA said it will begin what it called the long process of extricating Spirit by sending commands that could free the rover. Spirit has been stuck in a place NASA calls 'Troy' since April 23, when the rover's wheels broke through a crust on the surface that was covering bright-toned, slippery sand underneath. After a few drive attempts to get Spirit out in the subsequent days, it began sinking deeper in the sand trap. Driving was suspended to allow time for tests and reviews of possible escape strategies, NASA stated."

Oh no

[MichaelSmith]

Methinks it is time for somebody to get out and push.

Re:Oh no

[The_mad_linguist]

Maybe they should switch to a ten iron instead. That should work.

It's a conspiracy!

[lordmatrix]

Since the Mars rover is not really on Mars, but on a secret location on Earth, perhaps they could just use the "hand of god" to give it a little help :)

Re:Oh no

[mrsurb]

They should just call for a mulligan... no wait, that's for water traps like on the moon.

AAA's new market

[Dayofswords]

Mars is the new frontier for the AAA people to explore.

Up next:OnStar

Actually, it is on Mars

[SmallFurryCreature]

So is NASA, their buildings on earth are just a movie prop to fool the gullible, like you.

don't forget to

[Anonymous Coward]

lock the hubs first

Re:kolko mu e ...

[Ihmhi]

Homer: And booga booga to you too!

It's in a sand trap?

[maxwell demon]

It's not just trapped in the sand? So we finally have proof there's intelligent life on Mars, which builds traps!

Just goes to show

[OverlordQ]

Just goes to show that all those smart people sometimes make mistakes, why they should hire a couple of rednecks to help design the next version, they enjoy off-roadin'

Re:NASA Quality & Space Commercialization

[Anonymous Coward]

It seems like future rovers should have instrumentation to sense the composition of the ground they are about to tread over, as well as extra limbs that can be used to repair the rover (even just a brush to clean the solar panels) or assist its movement (grappling hook?)

Dang, why didn't the rocket scientists at NASA think of that? You should really consider applying for a job there designing spacecraft and rovers. They could really use your help for the upcoming Mars sample return mission.

Re:Use the arm ?

[ibsteve2u]

The pictorial record you linked to is truly fascinating, but while looking at it, I realized something:

NASA missed a golden opportunity to draw Kilroy on another planet.

What is science, next to the chance to immortalize Kilroy?

Re:It's in a sand trap?

[drinkypoo]

It's not just trapped in the sand? So we finally have proof there's intelligent life on Mars, which builds traps!

No, it's a sand trap, which implies golf. We have proof there's arrogant bastards on Mars.

Re:Oh no

[martin-boundary]

Or they could just try plan B: take all the hard drives, erase the surveillance tapes, wipe the fingerprints off everything and run.

Re:It's a conspiracy!

[hazee]

I fail to see why it takes Diego Maradona to free the rover, wherever it is.

unplayable lie

[gadget junkie]

In all fairness, they should declare it unplayable and drop it elsewhere in the trap, as per Rule 28. [usga.org]

Re:Oh no

[Anonymous Coward]

Use and open-face club. The Sand Wedge.

Mmmmmm Open-face Club Sandwich...

Re:Oh no

[Anonymous Coward]

Floor mats