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Rover encounters Maxfli 1 - Feb 10, 2004

Rear Hazcam image from sol 12
Rock named Maxfli 1
[video] (100 kB)
"We don't know what it is yet but there are two hypothesis still standing. One that it is volcanic, one that it probably isn't volcanic" reported Robert Zimmerman, Science Downlink Coordinator. Engineers commanded The Rover to move within 3 feet of Maxfli 1 , but the Rover initially over-shot the target, as seen in the video. "We will attempt to back up the Rover to have a better look sometime tomorrow after we recalibrate the reverse button and perform the routine battery pack analysis."


Rover Status: Problem with battery resolved, on/off switch functioning as expected!


The Earth Rover woke up earlier than normal today at 6 a.m. local Earth time. Engineers who spent the night puzzling over the inability to move the Rover forward, resolved the problem today, reformating the on and off switch located at the back of the vehicle. The operation was a success, and the Rover's 6 AA Bateries were determined to be in excellent condition. The Rover is scheduled to move 3 feet tomorrow to prepare for the first exciting photograh event of an apparent riverbed this weekend, which may reveal historical clues about the planets formation and the past environment on Earth.

The Rover Passes Her Driver's Test! - Feb 05, 2004

Rear Hazcam image from sol 12
Rear Hazcam image from Rover
[large] (100 kB)

The plan for The Rover is to do a 1.1 meter (3.6 feet) drive straight toward the outcrop and take some more pancam and mini-TES instrument images of the outcrop area.

Scientists have decided to wait to photograph and further for a few days until they can drive to an area with a higher concentration of something else.

Watch a related video: Rover Navigation 101: Autonomous Rover Navigation


Mark Powell Science Downlink Coordinator Robert Zimmerman
Science Downlink Coordinator


Jonathan Gould
Mission Position Manager

Matt Wallace Opportunity Mission Manager Chad Pry
Opportunity Mission Manager


Rear Hazcam image from sol 12
Rear Hazcam image from Rover
[large] (100 kB)
"We moved the Rover one foot forward, and then moved it half a foot bakwards, gaining a total of 6 inches. The test of Rover's ability to maneuver on Earth, which ended Thursday was a huge success." reported Robert Zimmerman, Science Downlink Coordinator. Engineers commanded The Rover to move right an additonal inch, but then reversed to place it in it's original position. Jubilation in the control and open cans of Malt Liquor were quickly replaced by concern, when The Rover's camera began sending back images of a very small black rock, which the team has named "Angus". We think Angus may reveal clues to something, or maybe not, either way it's a rock and therefore important", said Jonathan Gould, cheif Mission Rock Analyst.
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