While controllers are getting everything ready to trigger contact, the rover has nor checked in yet.
What has happened to the rover?
Mars’ one of the largest dust storms which got experts worried is finally taking a break which means that the Opportunity rover might soon be on its feet after recharging with enough power to get in contact with the Earth. Experts have not heard anything from the rover since June, but an attempt to make it respond to Deep Space Network of NASA is getting ready.
Opportunity is powered by the Sun contrary to the Curiosity rover which is also bigger in size. Mars’ entire atmosphere has been encompassed gradually by the dust, and the sunlight started to fade ours. The rover has not seen any light for several months, so it shifts into hibernation mode as it was not getting enough power. After getting into the shift almost three months ago, the rover has been praying and waiting to get enough power in order to hear from its operators from the Earth and check in with them.
The rover will get well soon
The operators we have talked about in the paragraph above stated that at any time now the rover should get enough power, based on the conditions of the atmosphere. The rover’s status is still full of uncertainties especially the fact that it might not make as a contact as expected.
If the rover’s solar panels are too covered in dust, the Sun’s rays might not be able to reach them and charge the device so it will not have enough power to get in contact with the Earth. It recovery might get detailed until the whole dust gets out of the atmosphere and local winds will uncover the panels.
As our second lead editor, Anna C. Mackinno provides guidance on the stories Great Lakes Ledger reporters cover. She has been instrumental in making sure the content on the site is clear and accurate for our readers. If you see a particularly clever title, you can likely thank Anna. Anna received a BA and and MA from Fordham University.