NASA Mars Rover Update: Spirit Remains Silent at Troy

Spirit Stats for sol 2362-2368

Spirit remains silent at her location on the west side of Home Plate. No communication has been received from the rover since Sol 2210 (March 22, 2010).

It is likely that Spirit has experienced a low-power fault and has turned off all sub-systems, including communication and gone into a deep sleep, trying to recharge her batteries. The rover internal electronics will experience colder temperatures than pervious winters, because heaters will be shut off. There is the additional risk that the rover may trip a mission clock fault. The project is listening for Spirit with the Deep Space Network and Mars Odyssey orbiter for autonomous recovery communication from the low-power fault case, and conducting a “Sweep & Beep” strategy to stimulate the rover in the case of a mission clock fault.

Although power levels are estimated to be improving with the advancing springtime in the southern hemisphere of Mars, atmospheric conditions historically deteriorate (higher atmospheric opacity) at this time. Thus, a response from Spirit is still not expected for some time.

Total odometry is unchanged at 7,730.50 meters (4.80 miles).