Mars Rovers Sent Into 3rd Overtime

Spirit and Opportunity, the Mars rovers that have already survived well past what they were designed for, have been approved for 18 more months of operations. NASA said that since the machines are still capable, their funding will continue until September 2006 if they remain in good condition. The primary mission was meant to last three months. Jim Erickson, a project manager, said that the team is making long-term plans. He said, however, that a random part failure could take either robot out of commission. "We're going to work them hard to get as much benefit from them as we can, for as long as they are capable of producing worthwhile science results," he said. The rovers have already uncovered physical and chemical evidence that NASA says is proof that water used to flow on the surface of Mars. Opportunity is about to reach an area called "Etched Terrain" that appears to be a site of gentle wind erostion. The craft has now surpassed Spirit in total distance traveled, at more than 3 miles. That's eight times the original goal. Spirit is climbing a rocky slope called "Husband Hill."