Discussion: Weather on Earth is a Problem for ...

[Fraser]

SUMMARY: A thunderstorm in Australia has hampered communications between NASA and the Spirit rover on Mars. The rover was supposed to use its Rock Abrasion Tool (RAT) to grind into the rock 5 mm, but the weather interfered with the commands sent from Earth. When it doesn't receive orders from Earth, Spirit goes into a stasis mode where it runs checks on its systems, and takes photographs of its surroundings. Engineers are hoping to try again tonight.

What do you think about this story? Post your comments below.

[VanderL]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/3421071.stm

Oh dear, it seems there is a serious problem not due to the weather...

[Victoria]

How frustrating! Hopefully Opportunity will succeed in landing.

[Tiny]

LOL Blame on the rain and now SR stop transmit data to Earth crap maybe be some equipment is overheat and was defective...

[tycho1981]

Mars-human stole it...

[VanderL]

It sounds more like electronics failing, it's the same story in consumer electronics; computer parts used to be expensive, slow but tough, and nowadays they are cheap, fast and vulnerable. Maybe there is more electrostatic trouble in space and on Mars?
Cheers.