Leaving Victoria crater |
Leaving Victoria crater |
Aug 3 2008, 08:50 PM
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#1
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Senior Member Group: Members Posts: 4256 Joined: 17-January 05 Member No.: 152 |
I guess "to the cape" no longer applies, so a new thread is in order. From the new PS update:
QUOTE ...the rover experienced a spike in the electrical current to the motor for its left front wheel, an event ominously similar to what Spirit experienced just before it lost the use of its right front wheel for good back in March 2006... Not surprisingly, the team decided without much debate that it was time for Opportunity to rove on and out of Victoria. "We want to get out of the crater as quickly as possible," Callas said The plan is to exit via the entry route. Also some interesting news on the next destination from the same article: QUOTE After roving out of Victoria Crater, Opportunity will begin a study of the cobbles on the Meridiani plains. Then, it may head for another [as yet unnamed] crater about 2 kilometers (about 1.2 miles) to the north/northwest of Victoria, Callas offered, provided of course that all revolves well with its left front wheel.
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Guest_Oersted_* |
Aug 3 2008, 08:55 PM
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#2
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Guests |
Oh no, that's really sad news. Having to drive out of the crater just as we were nearing the cliff face...
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Aug 3 2008, 08:56 PM
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#3
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The Poet Dude Group: Moderator Posts: 5551 Joined: 15-March 04 From: Kendal, Cumbria, UK Member No.: 60 |
Wow... she really is leaving...
OK, then thanks for showing us such sensational sights Oppy, we're all very proud of you back here. Now, get yourself out again, take a breather in the full sunshine - you've earned it - and then head on for sights and wonders new. -------------------- |
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Aug 3 2008, 09:48 PM
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#4
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Senior Member Group: Moderator Posts: 4279 Joined: 19-April 05 From: .br at .es Member No.: 253 |
Well, time to leave.
It was becoming really difficult, if not impossible, to get to that wall so I understand the change of plans. In any case, if the left front wheel really stalls I have the feeling it will be "end of mobility" anywhere; here or at the plains. This terrain, Meridiani, is too sandy to drive with a stuck wheel. |
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Aug 3 2008, 10:17 PM
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#5
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Member Group: Members Posts: 578 Joined: 5-November 04 From: Denmark Member No.: 107 |
QUOTE Then, it may head for another [as yet unnamed] crater about 2 kilometers (about 1.2 miles) to the north/northwest of Victoria Erebus fits that distance and heading. -------------------- "I want to make as many people as possible feel like they are part of this adventure. We are going to give everybody a sense of what exploring the surface of another world is really like"
- Steven Squyres |
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Guest_Sunspot_* |
Aug 3 2008, 10:25 PM
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#6
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Guests |
But Erebus isn't unnamed lol
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Aug 3 2008, 10:33 PM
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#7
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Member Group: Members Posts: 239 Joined: 18-December 07 From: New York Member No.: 3982 |
Do they have plans to take a full pan of the wall first or are they trying to get out of there like bat out of hell?
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Aug 3 2008, 10:35 PM
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#8
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Merciless Robot Group: Admin Posts: 8785 Joined: 8-December 05 From: Los Angeles Member No.: 602 |
Guess that damn slope & the slippery terrain was just too much for her....dammit. One hell of an effort, in any case, and safe journey to Erebus!
-------------------- A few will take this knowledge and use this power of a dream realized as a force for change, an impetus for further discovery to make less ancient dreams real.
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Aug 3 2008, 11:13 PM
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#9
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Member Group: Members Posts: 350 Joined: 20-June 04 From: Portland, Oregon, U.S.A. Member No.: 86 |
Huh. Do you suppose they'll get another chance to look at rock this deep? They never really imaged any of the wall closely. And now they suddenly have to leave. Most mysterious.
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Guest_Bobby_* |
Aug 4 2008, 12:10 AM
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#10
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Guests |
In the current Planetary Society Mars Rover Update. Opportunity will start to explore the cobbles after leaving the slippery slopes of Victoria Crater and then head about 2 kilometers to the north/northwest from its current location to an unnamed crater. Does anyone have any overhead views which might show which crater they are talking about?
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Aug 4 2008, 12:51 AM
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#11
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Member Group: Members Posts: 530 Joined: 21-March 06 From: Canada Member No.: 721 |
So, it's back to Erebus. Oh well, at least she has a track to follow now.
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Aug 4 2008, 01:06 AM
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#12
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Merciless Robot Group: Admin Posts: 8785 Joined: 8-December 05 From: Los Angeles Member No.: 602 |
Gonna go out on a limb here & suggest that that wheel stall was the decision point event. The terrain here is supremely difficult, with occasional slippage rates greater than 90%; getting stuck for good right now wouldn't seem to be in the mission's best interest if they can do other things within the vehicle's capabilities.
-------------------- A few will take this knowledge and use this power of a dream realized as a force for change, an impetus for further discovery to make less ancient dreams real.
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Aug 4 2008, 02:15 AM
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#13
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Member Group: Members Posts: 350 Joined: 20-June 04 From: Portland, Oregon, U.S.A. Member No.: 86 |
I recall them saying they'd go into the crater even if they got stuck there forever. Ah well, maybe they won't be able to make it out and they'll look at the wall after all.. I doubt there's anything comparable out on the plains.
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Aug 4 2008, 04:39 AM
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#14
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Senior Member Group: Members Posts: 1229 Joined: 24-December 05 From: The blue one in between the yellow and red ones. Member No.: 618 |
Yes, the maximum-age layers remain unanalyzed.
But, truth be told, I have searched long for visually distinctive strata, and seen nothing striking. It was always a small hope - a couple of dozen meters out of 800. Perhaps we should strive for new horizons. (sound of piteous sobs and sighs...) -------------------- My Grandpa goes to Mars every day and all I get are these lousy T-shirts!
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Aug 4 2008, 06:25 AM
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#15
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Founder Group: Chairman Posts: 14434 Joined: 8-February 04 Member No.: 1 |
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