The Next Target of Opportunity (so to speak)

The Mars Rover Opportunity is still going strong, three and a half years into what was originally planned as a ninety-day mission. Now, it looks like it's time to visit the Victorian Era - or at least the Victoria Crater. According to the Associated Press (via boston.com):

NASA's aging but durable Mars rover Opportunity will make what could be a trip of no return into a deep impact crater as it tries to peer further back than ever into the Red Planet's geologic history.

The descent into Victoria Crater received the go-ahead because the potential scientific returns are worth the risk that the solar-powered, six-wheel rover might not be able to climb out, NASA officials and scientists said Thursday.

You go, opportunitygrrl! (Oh, and we understand if things are too hectic to keep up with your LJ.)

The Next Target of Opportunity (so to speak)

The Mars Rover Opportunity is still going strong, three and a half years into what was originally planned as a ninety-day mission. Now, it looks like it's time to visit the Victorian Era - or at least the Victoria Crater. According to the Associated Press (via boston.com):

NASA's aging but durable Mars rover Opportunity will make what could be a trip of no return into a deep impact crater as it tries to peer further back than ever into the Red Planet's geologic history.

The descent into Victoria Crater received the go-ahead because the potential scientific returns are worth the risk that the solar-powered, six-wheel rover might not be able to climb out, NASA officials and scientists said Thursday.

You go, opportunitygrrl! (Oh, and we understand if things are too hectic to keep up with your LJ.)