It's been two decades since Spirit landed on the red sands of Mars

It is 20 years this week since NASA's Spirit rover landed on Mars, kicking off years of exploration before ending its mission stuck in the sand. Spirit was the first of NASA's two solar-powered Mars Exploration rovers to land on Mars in 2004. Unlike successive, heftier rovers, Spirit and Opportunity, which touched down a few …

[Anonymous Coward]

One of the saddest xkcd cartoons ever...

(Won't claim it's *the* saddest given the cancer related comics over the years).

[Neil Barnes]

Did I do a good job?

Guys?

[Philo T Farnsworth]

Re: Did I do a good job?

You did a great job, little fellow.

I think I'm going to cry.

[dlc.usa]

Proof Reading?

Second paragraph: change "Spirit and Opportunity" to "Curiosity and Opportunity", I think.

[HuBo]

Re: Proof Reading?

Here on Mars, we loved those two solar-powered E.T.-look-alike little cuties that were Spirit and Opportunity! The Curiosity and Perseverance nuclear-powered tanks are also very nice, especially for joyrides on the weekend. Send more, and also some Lea & Perrins Worcestershire sauce for the bloody marys (thanks in advance)!

[Eclectic Man]

SHUTDOWN_DAMMIT

Brilliant name for a command. Who says IT people are humourless nerds?

Wonderful that it lasted so long and provided so much valuable data. The engineers and scientists who design and build these things really are superb.

Now, if you just have a look at my car ...

[ldo]

Re: SHUTDOWN_DAMMIT

Part of a long tradition, dating back to “Halt and Catch Fire”.

[cookieMonster]

Highly recommend

The book referenced (Roving Mars written by Steve Squyres)

Absolutely excellent reading.

Fun fact: I got this book last year based on a recommendation here in these forums. Can’t remember who or when, but thank you.

[Rik Myslewski]

“I don't know how much more of this she can take," said Squyres at the time.

Was it Squyers or was it Montgomery Scott?

Seriously, though, great writing. Thanks.