The First Martian Marathon

Source - NASA Science News for May 15, 2015

On Earth, a fast runner takes a few hours to complete a marathon. On Mars, it takes about 11 years. NASA's Opportunity rover crossed the finish line of the first "Martian Marathon" in 2015.

The complete article can be found here: http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2015/15may_marathon/

A companion video is posted below and can also be viewed at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gN_cmK9TUc&feature=youtu.be



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Mars Rover Sets Off-World Driving Record

Source - NASA Science News for July 28, 2014

NASA's Opportunity Mars rover, which landed on the Red Planet in 2004, now holds the off-Earth driving record of 25+ miles, and is not far from completing a full extraterrestrial marathon.

The complete article can be found here: http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2014/28jul_oppy/

A Mars Rover's Improbable Anniversary

Source - NASA Science News for July 1, 2013

When Opportunity left Earth in 2003, many observers expected the rover to survive no more than a few months on the hostile surface of Mars. 10 years later, Opportunity is still going strong and could be poised to make its biggest discoveries yet at a place named Solander Point.

The complete article can be found here: http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2013/01jul_oppy/

Mystery Spheres on Mars

Source - NASA Science News for Sept. 14, 2012

NASA's Mars rover Opportunity, still active after all these years, has just discovered a dense accumulation of puzzling little spheroids in a rock outcrop on the Red Planet.

The full story can be found here: http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2012/14sep_mysteryspheres/

NASA ScienceCasts: The First Extraterrestrial Marathon

Source - NASAtelevision Jul 12, 2012

"More than 8 years after landing on the Red Planet, Mars rover Opportunity is still running. Indeed, mission planners say the tireless robot is poised to complete a full marathon--the first ever long-distance race on an alien planet."

Update - 07/18/12

The full story can be found here: http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2012/18jul_martianmarathon/

A companion video is posted below and can also be viewed at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DC-rvKjBHfE

"Slam Dunk" Sign of Past Water on Mars

Source - NASA Science News for Dec. 8, 2011

As NASA's newest Mars rover Curiosity heads for the Red Planet, veteran rover Opportunity continues to make discoveries. Opportunity's latest find, an apparent vein of the mineral gypsum, is a "slam dunk" sign of past water on Mars, say researchers.

FULL STORY at http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2011/08dec_slamdunk/

ScienceCasts: Salute to Spirit

Source - ScienceAtNASA on Jun 2, 2011:

'"It's been more than a year since NASA has heard from Mars rover Spirit. The agency says it may be time to say 'thanks and farewell.'"



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Mars Rover Update

Source - NASA Science News for May 21, 2010

This just in from the Red Planet: Mars rover Opportunity has set a longevity record as it attempts a marathon trek across dangerous terrain. Meanwhile, Spirit is in peril from the advancing Martian winter. Despite their troubles, both rovers remain in the hunt for new discoveries.

FULL STORY at

http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2010/21may_marsroverupdate/

Mars Rover Update

Source - NASA Science News for March 26, 2009

Back in 2004, most experts would have said this story is impossible. No rover could possibly survive long enough on Mars for a five-year update. Yet here it is. Mission scientists reveal what Spirit and Opportunity are up to on the Red Planet today--and what their prospects are for the future.

FULL STORY at

http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2009/26mar_marsroverupdate.htm?list894285