Comments on: Spirit Rover Going Nowhere, But Still Making Discoveries

By: Spoodle58

Spoodle58 — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 14:58:11 +0000

"Big Wheels"
I always thought about that also.

But I suppose it costs more to make them larger, what with launch payload etc, but also they would have tested ( I hope) different sizes in relation to the rover size to see which size would work best.

I guess in the end of the day, JPL are lucky the rovers didn't get stuck on Sol 1.

By: Rob_Bowman

Rob_Bowman — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 07:55:56 +0000

Um, this raises the obvious question: "Why aren't the wheels bigger?"

By: Spoodle58

Spoodle58 — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 15:22:19 +0000

Astrofiend says
"I think the bung wheel has been the best thing that has happened to Spirit (possible exaggeration)."

I completely agree with that, the guys at JPL will probably even use the busted wheel to free the rover.(another possible exaggeration)

By: Astrofiend

Astrofiend — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 01:21:21 +0000

"Spirit's right-front wheel has been immobile for more than three years,"

Damn! Is that three years now? I cannot believe how time seems to fly by these days.

I think the bung wheel has been the best thing that has happened to Spirit (possible exaggeration). They should definitely include a little back-hoe or plow on the MSL (or whatever it's silly name is now) to move a bit of earth around too.

Good to see Spirit is still churning out the good stuff despite being stuck(ish)!