When did NASA launch the Spirit rover?
NASA launched the Spirit rover on the 10th of June 2003. The spacecraft traveled aboard a Boeing Delta II rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17.
Questions about Mars Exploration Rover
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Where did the Opportunity rover land on Mars?
Opportunity landed in Eagle Crater at Meridiani Planum on the 25th of February 2004. This site featured small spherical concretions called blueberries with high concentrations of hematite formed in an aqueous environment.
How long was the initial mission duration for the Mars Exploration Rovers?
Both rovers were designed for a primary mission lasting only ninety Martian solar days. Engineers extended the mission life multiple times to support operations far beyond this original design life.
What caused the end of contact for the Spirit rover?
Spirit ceased contact on the 22nd of March 2010 after getting stuck in sand near McCool Hill. NASA ended attempts to recover it on the 22nd of May 2011 following final transmission on the 25th of May 2011.
When did the Opportunity rover officially conclude its mission?
Last contact occurred on the 10th of June 2018 when global dust storms blocked sunlight from solar panels. A press conference on the 13th of February 2019 declared the mission officially over after no response since summer.