NASA’s rover Spirit fell through a crust over soft sand a few months ago.  NASA scientists attempted to free the rover, but after losing two of the six wheels, they have had to concede the battle to the sand.

Spirit isn’t going anywhere.

That doesn’t mean Spirit’s mission is over.  They will attempt to reposition Spirit so she tilts a little more towards the Sun so she can keep her electronics warm through the harsh Martian winter.  If successful, they will then use Spirit as an observation station until the batteries fail.

Spirit and Opportunity rovers had a planned life-span of just 90 days and perhaps a few hundred yards of travel.  After six years and several kilometers of travel, the rovers have exceeded all expectations.  They’ve made incredible discoveries and captured the public’s imagination.