Spirit Updates: 2010
sols 2478-2485, December 22-29, 2010 Spirit Remains Silent at Troy
No communication has been received from Spirit since Sol 2210 (March 22, 2010).
The project continues to listen with the Deep Space Network and Mars Odyssey orbiter for autonomous recovery communication from a low-power fault case. The project also conducts a "Sweep & Beep" paging strategy to stimulate the rover in the case of a mission-clock fault. The time window for the Sweep & Beep commanding is being expanded to cover more possible timing cases. The period of maximum solar insolation (energy production) for Spirit occurs around mid-March 2011.
Total odometry is unchanged at 7,730.50 meters (4.80 miles).
sols 2471-2477, December 15-21, 2010 Spirit Remains Silent at Troy
Spirit remains silent at her location on the west side of Home Plate. No communication has been received from the rover since Sol 2210 (March 22, 2010).
The project continues to listen for Spirit with the Deep Space Network and Mars Odyssey orbiter for autonomous recovery communication from the low-power fault case. The project is also conducting a paging technique called "Sweep & Beep" to stimulate the rover in the case of a mission-clock fault. The period of peak solar insolation (energy production) is not until mid-March 2011. So Spirit has plenty of occasion to respond.
Total odometry is unchanged at 7,730.50 meters (4.80 miles).
sols 2465-2470, December 09-15, 2010 Spirit Remains Silent at Troy
Spirit remains silent at her location on the west side of Home Plate. No communication has been received from the rover since Sol 2210 (March 22, 2010).
The project continues to listen for Spirit with the Deep Space Network and Mars Odyssey orbiter for autonomous recovery communication from the low-power fault case. The project is also conducting a paging technique called "Sweep & Beep" to stimulate the rover in the case of a mission-clock fault. The period of peak solar insolation (energy production) is not until mid-March 2011. So Spirit has plenty of occasion to respond.
Total odometry is unchanged at 7,730.50 meters (4.80 miles).
sols 2458-2464, December 02-08, 2010 Spirit Remains Silent at Troy
Spirit remains silent at her location on the west side of Home Plate. No communication has been received from the rover since Sol 2210 (March 22, 2010).
The project continues to listen for Spirit with the Deep Space Network and Mars Odyssey orbiter for autonomous recovery communication from the low-power fault case. The project is also conducting a paging technique called "Sweep & Beep" to stimulate the rover in the case of a mission-clock fault. The period of peak solar insolation (energy production) is not until mid-March 2011. So Spirit has plenty of occasion to respond.
Total odometry is unchanged at 7,730.50 meters (4.80 miles).
sols 2450-2457, November 23-30, 2010 Spirit Remains Silent at Troy
No communication has been received from the rover since Sol 2210 (March 22, 2010).
The project continues to listen for Spirit with the Deep Space Network and Mars Odyssey orbiter for autonomous recovery communication from the low-power fault case. The project is also conducting a paging technique called "Sweep & Beep" to stimulate the rover in the case of a mission-clock fault. The period of peak solar insolation (energy production) is not until mid-March 2011.
Total odometry is unchanged at 7,730.50 meters (4.80 miles).
sols 2445-2449, November 18-22, 2010 Spirit Remains Silent at Troy
Spirit remains silent at her location on the west side of Home Plate. No communication has been received from the rover since Sol 2210 (March 22, 2010).
The project continues to listen for Spirit with the Deep Space Network and Mars Odyssey orbiter for autonomous recovery communication from the low-power fault case. The project is also conducting a paging technique called "Sweep & Beep" to stimulate the rover in the case of a mission-clock fault. The period of peak solar insolation (energy production) is not until mid-March 2011. So Spirit has plenty of occasions to respond.
Total odometry is unchanged at 7,730.50 meters (4.80 miles).
sols 2438-2444, November 11-17, 2010 Spirit Remains Silent at Troy
Spirit remains silent at her location on the west side of Home Plate. No communication has been received from the rover since Sol 2210 (March 22, 2010).
The project continues to listen for Spirit with the Deep Space Network and Mars Odyssey orbiter for autonomous recovery communication from the low-power fault case. The project is also conducting a paging technique called "Sweep & Beep" strategy to stimulate the rover in the case of a mission-clock fault.
Total odometry is unchanged at 7,730.50 meters (4.80 miles).
sols 2431-2437, November 04-10, 2010 Spirit Remains Silent at Troy
Spirit remains silent at her location on the west side of Home Plate. No communication has been received from the rover since Sol 2210 (March 22, 2010).
The project continues to listen for Spirit with the Deep Space Network and Mars Odyssey orbiter for autonomous recovery communication from the low-power fault case. The project is also conducting a paging technique called "Sweep & Beep" strategy to stimulate the rover in the case of a mission-clock fault.
Total odometry is unchanged at 7,730.50 meters (4.80 miles).
sols 2424-2430, October 28 - November 03, 2010 Spirit Remains Silent at Troy
Spirit remains silent at her location on the west side of Home Plate. No communication has been received from the rover since Sol 2210 (March 22, 2010).
The project continues to listen for Spirit with the Deep Space Network and the Mars Odyssey orbiter for autonomous recovery communication from the low-power fault case. The project is also conducting a paging technique called "sweep & beep" to stimulate the rover in the case of a mission-clock fault. Improving solar insolation levels should provide an environment for the rover batteries to recharge with increasing likelihood of hearing from Spirit in the period ahead.
Total odometry is unchanged at 7,730.50 meters (4.80 miles).
sols 2417-2423, October 21-27, 2010 Spirit Remains Silent at Troy
Spirit remains silent at her location on the west side of Home Plate. No communication has been received from the rover since Sol 2210 (March 22, 2010).
The project is listening for Spirit with the Deep Space Network and Mars Odyssey orbiter for autonomous recovery communication from the low-power fault case and conducting a "Sweep & Beep" strategy to stimulate the rover in the case of a mission clock fault. Improving solar insolation levels should provide an environment for the rover batteries to recharge with increasing likelihood of hearing from Spirit in the period ahead.
Total odometry is unchanged at 7,730.50 meters (4.80 miles).
sols 2410-2416, October 13-23, 2010 Spirit Remains Silent at Troy
Spirit remains silent at her location on the west side of Home Plate. No communication has been received from the rover since Sol 2210 (March 22, 2010).
The project is listening for Spirit with the Deep Space Network and Mars Odyssey orbiter for autonomous recovery communication from the low-power fault case, and conducting a "Sweep & Beep" strategy to stimulate the rover in the case of a mission clock fault. Improving solar insolation levels should provide an environment for the rover batteries to recharge, with increasing likelihood of hearing from Spirit in the period ahead.
Total odometry is unchanged at 7,730.50 meters (4.80 miles).
sols 2402-2409, October 05-12, 2010 Spirit Remains Silent at Troy
Spirit remains silent at her location on the west side of Home Plate. No communication has been received from the rover since Sol 2210 (March 22, 2010).
The project is listening for Spirit with the Deep Space Network and Mars Odyssey orbiter for autonomous recovery communication from the low-power fault case, and conducting a "Sweep & Beep" strategy to stimulate the rover in the case of a mission clock fault. Improving solar insolation levels should provide an environment for the rover batteries to recharge, with increasing likelihood of hearing from Spirit in the period ahead.
Total odometry is unchanged at 7,730.50 meters (4.80 miles).
sols 2397-2402, September 30 - October 05, 2010 Spirit Remains Silent at Troy
Spirit remains silent at her location on the west side of Home Plate. No communication has been received from the rover since Sol 2210 (March 22, 2010).
Spirit likely experienced a low-power fault and has turned off all sub-systems, including communication and gone into a deep sleep, trying to recharge her batteries. If energy levels during the winter were lower than predicted, the rover may have also tripped a mission clock fault.
The project is listening for Spirit with the Deep Space Network and the Mars Odyssey orbiter for autonomous recovery communication from the low-power fault case, and conducting a "Sweep & Beep" strategy to stimulate the rover in the case of a mission clock fault. With the onset of Martian spring, improving solar insolation levels should provide an environment for the rover batteries to recharge with the likelihood of hearing from Spirit increasing in the period ahead.
Total odometry is unchanged at 7,730.50 meters (4.80 miles).
sols 2390-2396, September 23-29, 2010 Spirit Remains Silent at Troy
Spirit remains silent at her location on the west side of Home Plate. No communication has been received from the rover since Sol 2210 (March 22, 2010).
It is likely that Spirit has experienced a low-power fault and has turned off all sub-systems, including communication and gone into a deep sleep, trying to recharge her batteries. The rover internal electronics will experience colder temperatures than pervious winters, because heaters will be shut off. There is the additional risk that the rover may trip a mission clock fault.
The project is listening for Spirit with the Deep Space Network and the Mars Odyssey orbiter for autonomous recovery communication from the low-power fault case and conducting a "Sweep & Beep" strategy to stimulate the rover in the case of a mission clock fault. With the onset of Martian spring, improving solar insolation levels should provide an environment for the rover batteries to recharge.
Total odometry is unchanged at 7,730.50 meters (4.80 miles).
sols 2383-2389, September 16-22, 2010 Spirit Remains Silent at Troy
Spirit remains silent at her location on the west side of Home Plate. No communication has been received from the rover since Sol 2210 (March 22, 2010).
It is likely that Spirit has experienced a low-power fault and has turned off all sub-systems, including communication and gone into a deep sleep, trying to recharge her batteries. The rover internal electronics will experience colder temperatures than pervious winters, because heaters will be shut off. There is the additional risk that the rover may trip a mission clock fault.
The project is listening for Spirit with the Deep Space Network and the Mars Odyssey orbiter for autonomous recovery communication from the low-power fault case and conducting a "Sweep & Beep" strategy to stimulate the rover in the case of a mission clock fault.
Total odometry is unchanged at 7,730.50 meters (4.80 miles).
sols 2376-2382, September 09-15, 2010 Spirit Remains Silent at Troy
Spirit remains silent at her location on the west side of Home Plate. No communication has been received from the rover since Sol 2210 (March 22, 2010).
It is likely that Spirit has experienced a low-power fault and has turned off all sub-systems, including communication and gone into a deep sleep, trying to recharge her batteries. The rover internal electronics will experience colder temperatures than previous winters, because heaters will be shut off. There is the additional risk that the rover may trip a mission clock fault.
The project is listening for Spirit with the Deep Space Network and the Mars Odyssey orbiter for autonomous recovery communication from the low-power fault case and conducting a "Sweep & Beep" strategy to stimulate the rover in the case of a mission clock fault.
Although power levels are estimated to be improving with the advancing springtime in the southern hemisphere of Mars, atmospheric conditions historically deteriorate (higher atmospheric opacity) at this time. Thus, a response from Spirit is still not expected for some time.
Total odometry is unchanged at 7,730.50 meters (4.80 miles).
sols 2369-2375, September 01-08, 2010 Spirit Remains Silent at Troy
Spirit remains silent at her location on the west side of Home Plate. No communication has been received from the rover since Sol 2210 (March 22, 2010).
It is likely that Spirit has experienced a low-power fault and has turned off all sub-systems, including communication and gone into a deep sleep, trying to recharge her batteries. The rover internal electronics will experience colder temperatures than pervious winters, because heaters will be shut off. There is the additional risk that the rover may trip a mission clock fault. The project is listening for Spirit with the Deep Space Network (DSN) and the Mars Odyssey orbiter for autonomous recovery communication from the low-power fault case, and conducting a "Sweep & Beep" strategy to stimulate the rover in the case of a mission clock fault.
Although power levels are estimated to be improving with the advancing springtime in the southern hemisphere of Mars, atmospheric conditions historically deteriorate (higher atmospheric opacity) at this time. Thus, a response from Spirit is still not expected for some time.
Total odometry is unchanged at 7,730.50 meters (4.80 miles).
sols 2362-2368, August 25-31, 2010 Spirit Remains Silent at Troy
Spirit remains silent at her location on the west side of Home Plate. No communication has been received from the rover since Sol 2210 (March 22, 2010).It is likely that Spirit has experienced a low-power fault and has turned off all sub-systems, including communication and gone into a deep sleep, trying to recharge her batteries. The rover internal electronics will experience colder temperatures than pervious winters, because heaters will be shut off. There is the additional risk that the rover may trip a mission clock fault. The project is listening for Spirit with the Deep Space Network and Mars Odyssey orbiter for autonomous recovery communication from the low-power fault case, and conducting a "Sweep & Beep" strategy to stimulate the rover in the case of a mission clock fault.
Although power levels are estimated to be improving with the advancing springtime in the southern hemisphere of Mars, atmospheric conditions historically deteriorate (higher atmospheric opacity) at this time. Thus, a response from Spirit is still not expected for some time.
Total odometry is unchanged at 7,730.50 meters (4.80 miles).
sols 2356-2361, August 19-24, 2010 Spirit Remains Silent at 'Troy'
Spirit remains silent at her location on the west side of Home Plate. No communication has been received from the rover since Sol 2210 (March 22, 2010).
It is likely that Spirit has experienced a low-power fault and has turned off all sub-systems, including communication and gone into a deep sleep, trying to recharge her batteries. There is the additional risk that the rover may trip a mission clock fault. To respond to either case, the project is both listening for Spirit with the Deep Space Network and Mars Odyssey orbiter for autonomous recovery communication from the low-power fault case, and conducting a "Sweep & Beep" strategy to stimulate the rover in the case of a mission clock fault.
Although power levels are estimated to be improving with the advancing springtime in the southern hemisphere of Mars, atmospheric conditions historically deteriorate (higher atmospheric opacity) at this time. So, a response from Spirit is still not expected for some time.
Total odometry is unchanged at 7,730.50 meters (4.80 miles).
sols 2350-2355, August 13-18, 2010 Spirit Still Not Talking Back
Spirit remains silent at her location on the west side of Home Plate. No communication has been received from the rover since Sol 2210 (March 22, 2010).
It is likely that Spirit has experienced a low-power fault and has turned off all sub-systems, including communication and gone into a deep sleep, trying to recharge her batteries. There is the additional risk that the rover may trip a mission clock fault. To respond to either case, the project is both listening for Spirit with the Deep Space Network and Mars Odyssey orbiter for autonomous recovery communication from the low-power fault case, and conducting a "Sweep & Beep" strategy to stimulate the rover in the case of a mission clock fault.
Although power levels are estimated to be improving with the advancing springtime in the southern hemisphere of Mars, atmospheric conditions historically deteriorate (higher atmospheric opacity) at this time. So a response from Spirit is still not expected for some time.
Total odometry is unchanged at 7,730.50 meters (4.80 miles).
sols 2342-2349, August 05-12, 2010 'Sweep & Beep' Campaign Continues
Spirit remains silent at her location called "Troy" on the west side of Home Plate. No communication has been received from the rover since Sol 2210 (March 22, 2010).
It is likely that Spirit has experienced a low-power fault and has turned off all sub-systems, including communication and gone into a deep sleep, trying to recharge her batteries. There is the additional risk that the rover may trip a mission clock fault. If that happens, the rover would lose track of time and remain asleep until there is enough sunlight on the solar arrays to wake the rover, a state called "Solar Groovy."
When the rover wakes from a mission clock fault, she would only listen. So starting on Sol 2333 (July 26, 2010), the project implemented a new procedure to address the possible mission clock fault. Each sol, the Deep Space Network (DSN) mission controllers send a set of X-band beep commands, called "Sweep & Beep." If the rover has experienced a mission clock fault and is awake during the day, the rover will be listening during brief, 20-minute intervals each awake hour. Because of the possible clock fault, the timing of these 20-minute listening intervals can't be known. So the project will fill the likely awake period with multiple "Sweep & Beep" commands. If the rover hears one of these commands, it will respond back with an X-band beep signal, telling us she is there and allowing the project to investigate the state of the rover further. A response from Spirit is not expected for some time, as the season is still very early spring on Mars.
Total odometry is unchanged at 7,730.50 meters (4.80 miles).
sols 2335-2341, July 28 - August 04, 2010 Spirit in 'Sweep & Beep' Mode
Spirit remains silent at her location called "Troy" on the west side of Home Plate. No communication has been received from the rover since Sol 2210 (March 22, 2010).
It is likely that Spirit has experienced a low-power fault and has turned off all sub-systems, including communication and gone into a deep sleep, trying to recharge her batteries. There is the additional risk that the rover may trip a mission clock fault. If that happens, the rover would lose track of time and remain asleep until there is enough sunlight on the solar arrays to wake the rover, a state called "Solar Groovy." When the rover wakes from a mission clock fault, she would only listen. So starting on Sol 2333 (July 26, 2010), the project implemented a new procedure to address the possible mission clock fault.
Each sol, the Deep Space Network mission controllers send a set of X-band beep commands, called "Sweep & Beep." If the rover has experienced a mission clock fault and is awake during the day, the rover will be listening during brief, 20-minute intervals each awake hour. Because of the possible clock fault, the timing of these 20-minute listening intervals can't be known. So the project will fill the likely awake period with multiple "Sweep & Beep" commands. If the rover hears one of these commands, it will respond back with an X-band beep signal, telling them she is there and allowing them to investigate the state of the rover further. Although the project is using this new strategy now, a response from Spirit is not expected for some time, as the season is still very early spring on Mars.
Total odometry is unchanged at 7,730.50 meters (4.80 miles).
sols 2330-2334, July 23-27, 2010 Spirit Awaits "Solar Groovy"
Spirit remains silent at her location called "Troy" on the west side of Home Plate. No communication has been received from the rover since Sol 2210 (March 22, 2010).
It is likely that Spirit has experienced a low-power fault and has turned off all sub-systems, including communication and gone into a deep sleep, trying to recharge her batteries. There is the additional risk that the rover may trip a mission clock fault. If that happens, the rover would lose track of time and remain asleep until there is enough sunlight on the solar arrays to wake the rover, a state called "Solar Groovy." When the rover wakes from a mission clock fault, she would only listen.
Total odometry is unchanged at 7,730.50 meters (4.80 miles).
sols 2321-2329, July 14-22, 2010 Spirit Remains Silent at Troy
Spirit remains silent at her location called "Troy" on the west side of Home Plate. No communication has been received from the rover since Sol 2210 (March 22, 2010).
It is likely that Spirit has experienced a low-power fault and has turned off all sub-systems, including communication and gone into a deep sleep. While sleeping, the rover will use the available solar array energy to recharge her batteries. When the batteries recover to a sufficient state of charge, Spirit will wake-up and begin to communicate.
There is the additional risk that the rover may trip a mission clock fault. If that happens, the rover would remain asleep until the batteries have recharged sufficiently, and there is enough sunlight on the solar arrays to wake the rover. With the southern winter solstice back on May 13, 2010, solar energy levels and temperatures are expected to be improving.
Total odometry is unchanged at 7,730.50 meters (4.80 miles).
sols 2315-2320, July 08-13, 2010 Spirit Status Not Changed
Spirit remains silent at her location called "Troy" on the west side of Home Plate. No communication has been received from the rover since Sol 2210 (March 22, 2010).
It is likely that Spirit has experienced a low-power fault and has turned off all sub-systems, including communication and gone into a deep sleep. While sleeping, the rover will use the available solar array energy to recharge her batteries. When the batteries recover to a sufficient state of charge, Spirit will wake-up and begin to communicate.
There is the additional risk that the rover may trip a mission clock fault. If that happens, the rover would remain asleep until the batteries have recharged sufficiently, and there is enough sunlight on the solar arrays to wake the rover. With the southern winter solstice back on May 13, 2010, solar energy levels and temperatures are expected to be improving.
Total odometry is unchanged at 7,730.50 meters (4.80 miles).
sols 2308-2314, July 01-07, 2010 Spirit Still Silent
Spirit remains silent at her location called "Troy" on the west side of Home Plate. No communication has been received from the rover since Sol 2210 (March 22, 2010).
As stated previously, it is likely that Spirit has experienced a low-power fault and has turned off all sub-systems, including communication and gone into a deep sleep. While sleeping, the rover will use the available solar array energy to recharge her batteries. When the batteries recover to a sufficient state of charge, Spirit will wake up and begin to communicate.
There is the additional risk that the rover may trip a mission clock fault. If that happens, the rover would remain asleep until the batteries have recharged sufficiently and there is enough sunlight on the solar arrays to wake the rover. With the southern winter solstice back on May 13, 2010, solar energy levels and temperatures are expected to be improving.
Total odometry is unchanged at 7,730.50 meters (4.80 miles).
sols 2301-2307, June 23-30, 2010 Still Listening for Spirit
Spirit remains silent at her location called "Troy" on the west side of Home Plate. No communication has been received from the rover since Sol 2210 (March 22, 2010).
As stated previously, it is likely that Spirit has experienced a low-power fault and has turned off all sub-systems, including communication and gone into a deep sleep. While sleeping, the rover will use the available solar array energy to recharge her batteries. When the batteries recover to a sufficient state of charge, Spirit will wake up and begin to communicate.
There is the additional risk that the rover may trip a mission clock fault. If that happens, the rover would remain asleep until the batteries have recharged sufficiently and there is enough sunlight on the solar arrays to wake the rover. With the southern winter solstice back on May 13, 2010, solar energy levels and temperatures are expected to be improving.
Total odometry is unchanged at 7,730.50 meters (4.80 miles).
sols 2295-2300, June 17-22, 2010 Spirit Standing by At Troy
Spirit remains silent at her location called "Troy" on the west side of Home Plate. No communication has been received from the rover since Sol 2210 (March 22, 2010).
As stated previously, it is likely that Spirit has experienced a low-power fault and has turned off all sub-systems, including communication and gone into a deep sleep. While sleeping, the rover will use the available solar array energy to recharge her batteries. When the batteries recover to a sufficient state of charge, Spirit will wake up and begin to communicate.
There is the additional risk that the rover may trip a mission clock fault. If that happens, the rover would remain asleep until the batteries have recharged sufficiently and there is enough sunlight on the solar arrays to wake the rover. With the southern winter solstice back on May 13, 2010, solar energy levels and temperatures are expected to be improving.
Total odometry is unchanged at 7,730.50 meters (4.80 miles).
sols 2286-2294, June 08-16, 2010 Spirit Catching More Rays
Spirit remains silent at her location called "Troy" on the west side of Home Plate. No communication has been received from the rover since Sol 2210 (March 22, 2010).
It is likely that Spirit has experienced a low-power fault and has turned off all sub-systems, including communication and gone into a deep sleep. While sleeping, the rover will use the available solar array energy to recharge her batteries. When the batteries recover to a sufficient state of charge, Spirit will wake up and begin to communicate.
There is the additional risk that the rover may trip a mission clock fault. If that happens, the rover would remain asleep until the batteries have recharged sufficiently and there is enough sunlight on the solar arrays to wake the rover. The southern winter solstice was on May 13, 2010, so solar energy levels and temperatures should be improving.
Total odometry is unchanged at 7,730.50 meters (4.80 miles).
sols 2281-2285, June 03-07, 2010 Spirit Remains Silent at Troy
Spirit remains silent at her location called "Troy" on the west side of Home Plate. No communication has been received from the rover since Sol 2210 (March 22, 2010).
It is likely that Spirit has experienced a low-power fault and has turned off all sub-systems, including communication and gone into a deep sleep. While sleeping, the rover will use the available solar array energy to recharge her batteries. The rover electronics module (REM) is expected to get colder than ever before. When the batteries recover to a sufficient state of charge, Spirit will wake up and begin to communicate over X-band and Ultra-High Frequency (UHF).
There is the additional risk that the rover may trip a mission clock fault. If that happens, the rover would remain asleep until the batteries have recharged sufficiently and there is enough sunlight on the solar arrays to wake the rover. With the passing of the southern winter solstice (on May 13, 2010), solar energy levels and temperatures should be improving.
Total odometry is unchanged at 7,730.50 meters (4.80 miles).
sols 2274-2280, May 27 - June 02, 2010 Team Listens for Spirit
Spirit remains silent at her location called "Troy" on the west side of Home Plate. No communication has been received from the rover since Sol 2210 (March 22, 2010).
It is likely that Spirit has experienced a low-power fault and has turned off all sub-systems, including communication and gone into a deep sleep. While sleeping, the rover will use the available solar array energy to recharge her batteries. The rover electronics module (REM) is expected to get colder than ever before. When the batteries recover to a sufficient state of charge, Spirit will wake up and begin to communicate over X-band and Ultra-High Frequency (UHF).
Although the rover may not wake for some time, the project has been listening every day for any X-band signal from Spirit through the Deep Space Network (DSN) using the radio science receiver (RSR). The Mars Odyssey orbiter is also listening for any scheduled UHF relay passes. If energy levels for the rover are even lower than estimated, there is the additional risk that the rover may trip a mission clock fault. If that happens, the rover would remain asleep until the batteries have recharged sufficiently and there is enough sunlight on the solar arrays to wake the rover. With the passing of the southern winter solstice (on May 13, 2010), solar energy levels and temperatures should begin to improve.
Total odometry is unchanged at 7,730.50 meters (4.80 miles).
sols 2267-2273, May 20-26, 2010 Spirit Still in Deep Sleep
Spirit remains silent at her location called "Troy" on the west side of Home Plate. No communication has been received from the rover since Sol 2210 (March 22, 2010).
It is likely that Spirit has experienced a low-power fault and has turned off all sub-systems, including communication and gone into a deep sleep. While sleeping, the rover will use the available solar array energy to recharge her batteries. The rover electronics module (REM) is expected to get colder than ever before. When the batteries recover to a sufficient state of charge, Spirit will wake up and begin to communicate over X-band and Ultra-High Frequency (UHF).
Although the rover may not wake for some time, the project has been listening every day for any X-band signal from Spirit through the Deep Space Network (DSN) using the Radio Science Receiver (RSR). The Mars Odyssey orbiter is also listening for any scheduled UHF relay passes. If energy levels for the rover are even lower than estimated, there is the additional risk that the rover may trip a mission clock fault. If that happens, the rover would remain asleep until the Martian spring or summer when bright sunlight is needed to wake the rover. With the passing of the southern winter solstice two weeks ago, solar energy levels and temperatures should begin improving.
Total odometry is unchanged at 7,730.50 meters (4.80 miles).
sols 2260-2266, May 12-19, 2010 Spirit is Past Winter Solstice
Spirit remains silent at her location called "Troy" on the west side of Home Plate. No communication has been received from the rover since Sol 2210 (March 22, 2010).
It is likely that Spirit has experienced a low-power fault and has turned off all sub-systems, including communication and gone into a deep sleep. While sleeping, the rover will use the available solar array energy to recharge her batteries. When the batteries recover to a sufficient state of charge, Spirit will wake up and begin to communicate over X-band and Ultra-High Frequency (UHF).
Although the rover may not wake for some time, the project has been listening every day for any X-band signal from Spirit through the Deep Space Network (DSN) using the Radio Science Receiver (RSR). The Mars Odyssey orbiter is also listening for any scheduled UHF relay passes. If energy levels for the rover are even lower than estimated, there is the additional risk that the rover may trip a mission clock fault. If that happens, the rover would remain asleep until the Martian spring or summer when bright sunlight is needed to wake the rover. The winter solstice has past. Energy and temperatures should begin improving.
Total odometry is unchanged at 7,730.50 meters (4.80 miles).
sols 2254-2259, May 06-11, 2010 Winter Solstice Is Tomorrow
Spirit remains silent at her location called "Troy" on the west side of Home Plate. No communication has been received from the rover since Sol 2210 (March 22, 2010).
It is likely that Spirit has experienced a low-power fault and has turned off all sub-systems, including communication. The rover will use the available solar array energy to recharge her batteries. When the batteries recover to a sufficient state of charge, Spirit will wake up and begin to communicate over X-band. When that does happen, Spirit will also trip an up-loss timer fault. This fault response will allow the rover to communicate over Ultra-High Frequency (UHF) as well.
It is not known when the rover will wake up, so the project has been listening every day for any X-band signal from Spirit through the Deep Space Network (DSN) using the Radio Science Receiver (RSR). Mars Odyssey is also listening for any scheduled UHF relay passes. The winter solstice is tomorrow.
Total odometry is unchanged at 7,730.50 meters (4.80 miles).
sols 2248-2253, April 30 - May 05, 2010 Winter Solstice One Week Away
Spirit remains silent at her location called "Troy" on the west side of Home Plate. No communication has been received from the rover since Sol 2210 (March 22, 2010).
It is likely that Spirit has experienced a low-power fault and has turned off all sub-systems, including communication. The rover will use the available solar array energy to recharge her batteries. When the batteries recover to a sufficient state of charge, Spirit will wake up and begin to communicate over X-band. When that does happen, Spirit will also trip an up-loss timer fault. This fault response will allow the rover to communicate over Ultra-High Frequency (UHF) as well.
It is not known when the rover will wake up, so the project has been listening for any X-band signal from Spirit through the Deep Space Network every day. The Mars Odyssey orbiter is also listening over any scheduled UHF relay passes. The winter solstice is only one week away.
Total odometry is unchanged at 7,730.50 meters (4.80 miles).
sols 2240-2247, April 22-29, 2010 Winter Solstice Just Two Weeks Away
Spirit remains silent at her location called "Troy" on the west side of Home Plate. No communication has been received from the rover since Sol 2210 (March 22, 2010).
It is likely that Spirit has experienced a low-power fault and has turned off all sub-systems, including communication. The rover will use the available solar array energy to recharge her batteries. When the batteries recover to a sufficient state of charge, Spirit will wake up and begin to communicate. When that does happen, Spirit will also trip an up-loss timer fault. This fault response will allow the rover to communicate over Ultra-High Frequency (UHF), as well as X-band.
It is not known when the rover will wake up, so the project has been listening for any X-band signal from Spirit through the Deep Space Network every day. The Mars Odyssey orbiter is also listening over any scheduled UHF relay passes. The winter solstice is about two weeks away.
Total odometry is unchanged at 7,730.50 meters (4.80 miles).
sols 2233-2239, April 15-21, 2010 Winter Solstice Just Three Weeks Away
Spirit remains silent at her location called "Troy" on the west side of Home Plate. No communication has been received from the rover since Sol 2210 (March 22, 2010).
It is likely that Spirit has experienced a low-power fault and has powered off all sub-systems, except her master clock. The rover will use the available solar array energy to recharge her batteries. When the batteries recover to a sufficient state of charge, Spirit will wake up and begin to communicate. When that does happen, Spirit will also trip an up-loss timer fault. This fault response will allow the rover to communicate over Ultra-High Frequency (UHF) as well as X-band.
It is not know when the rover will wake up, so the project has been listening for any X-band signal from Spirit through the Deep Space Network every day. The relay orbiters are also listening over any scheduled UHF relay passes. The winter solstice is just three weeks away (Sol 2261, or May 13, 2010).
Total odometry is unchanged at 7,730.50 meters (4.80 miles).
sols 2227-2232, April 07-14, 2010 Spirit Awaits Winter at Troy
Spirit remains silent at her location called "Troy" on the west side of Home Plate. No communication has been received from the rover since Sol 2210 (March 22, 2010).
It is likely that Spirit has experienced a low-power fault and has turned off all sub-systems, including communication. The rover will use the available solar-array energy to recharge her batteries. When the batteries recover to a sufficient state of charge, Spirit will wake up and begin to communicate. When that does happen, Spirit will also trip an up-loss timer fault. This fault response will allow the rover to communicate over Ultra-High Frequency (UHF), as well as X-band.
It is not known when the rover will wake up, so the project has been listening for any X-band signal from Spirit through the Deep Space Network every day. The Mars Odyssey orbiter is also listening over any scheduled UHF relay passes. The winter solstice is still about a month away.
Total odometry is unchanged at 7,730.50 meters (4.80 miles).
sols 2219-2226, March 31 - April 07, 2010 Spirit Remains Silent
Spirit remains silent at her location called "Troy" on the west side of Home Plate. No communication has been received from the rover since Sol 2210 (March 22, 2010).
It is likely that Spirit has experienced a low-power fault and has turned off all sub-systems, including communication. The rover will use all available solar array energy to recharge her batteries. When the batteries recover to a sufficient state of charge, Spirit will wake up and begin to communicate. It is not known when that will happen, so the project has been listening for any X-band signal from Spirit through the Deep Space Network (DSN) every day. The Mars Odyssey orbiter is also listening over selected Ultra-High Frequency (UHF) relay passes for any signal from Spirit. It may be weeks to months before Spirit communicates.
Total odometry is unchanged at 7,730.50 meters (4.80 miles).
sols 2211-2218, March 23-30, 2010 Spirit in Hibernation
The scheduled downlink from Spirit on Sol 2218 (March 30, 2010), via Ultra-High Frequency (UHF) relay through the Odyssey orbiter was not received.
Odyssey reported nominal operations for their orbiter, but there was no received Spirit telemetry and no evidence of a UHF signal from the surface of Mars at Gusev crater. The team was anticipating Spirit to experience a low-power fault about this time. So, the most likely explanation for the missing downlink is that Spirit did go into that low-power fault taking her batteries off-line, sometime between the last downlink on Sol 2210 (March 22, 2010), and Sol 2218 (March 30, 2010).
With a low-power fault, Spirit is in a deep sleep with all loads turned off (no communication) and only the master clock being powered. The clock will stir Spirit on regular intervals to see if the batteries have recharged enough to wake up. If not, Spirit will remain deeply sleeping with the solar arrays trying to charge the rover batteries. The project had already begun listening for the possible X-band fault [communication] windows associated with the low-power fault. No X-band fault window has been detected, yet. The Deep Space Network radio science receiver (RSR) is being used to search for any X-band signal from Spirit. The rover will also experience an Uploss timer fault, since the rover would not be awake for us to reset that timer with a ground command. When the Uploss timer does expire, Spirit will also be responsive to UHF relay passes. However, Spirit will only respond with an X-band fault window or a UHF relay pass, if her batteries have recharged sufficiently. The team does not expect a response from Spirit for some time, but will listen every day. Total odometry is unchanged at 7,730.50 meters (4.80 miles).
sols 2204-2210, March 16-22, 2010: Solar Energy Levels Dropping
In position for the fourth winter, embedded at "Troy" on the west side of Home Plate, Spirit continues to execute a single seven-sol plan each week, as long as power permits.
The seven-sol plan contains a single X-band uplink and a single Ultra-High Frequency (UHF) downlink. The activity on each sol consists simply of a brief wakeup, an atmospheric opacity (tau) measurement, and then a shutdown for the rest of the day and night. The last downlink from the rover was on Sol 2210 (March 22, 2010). From that downlink, Spirit was still under master sequence control and all systems were green. Energy production was down to 134 watt-hours per sol. Solar array energy production levels will continue to drop, leading to widening energy deficits and decreases in battery state of charge. The solid-state power amplifier (SSPA), as a proxy for the rover electronics module (REM), reached a new record low temperature of minus 41.5 degrees Celsius (minus 42.7 degrees Fahrenheit). Spirit continues to get colder. A change was noticed on Sol 2203 (March 15, 2010), in the behavior of the battery survival heaters. The implications are not known, but it is being investigated. The plan for this week is to sequence another seven-sol plan to be uplinked this Friday with a single UHF downlink by early next week.
Spirit could enter low-power fault at anytime and become quiet for an extended period of time to charge her batteries. As of Sol 2210 (March 22, 2010), the rover solar array energy production was to 134 watt-hours with an atmospheric opacity (tau) of 0.353, as measured on Sol 2209 (March 21, 2010). Total odometry is unchanged at 7,730.50 meters (4.80 miles).
sols 2200-2203, March 12-15, 2010: Spirit Electronics Getting Colder
In her winter position, still embedded in the area called "Troy" on the west side of Home Plate, Spirit has transitioned to executing a single, seven-sol plan each week, as long as power permits.
The seven-sol plan contains a single X-band uplink and a single Ultra-High Frequency (UHF) downlink. The activity on each sol consists simply of a brief wakeup, an atmospheric opacity (tau) measurement, and then a shutdown for the rest of the day and night.
The last downlink from the rover was on Sol 2203 (March 15, 2010). From that downlink, Spirit was still under master sequence control and all systems were green. Energy production was down to 139 watt-hours per sol. Battery state of charge did not decrease significantly, suggesting that Spirit was able to stay roughly power neutral over the last few sols. Solar array energy production levels will continue to drop and rover heating requirements will continue to increase, leading to widening energy deficits.
The solid-state power amplifier (SSPA), as a proxy for the rover electronics module (REM), reached a record low temperature of minus 41 degrees Celsius (minus 41.8 degrees Fahrenheit). Spirit is getting colder than ever before. The plan for this week is to sequence another seven-sol plan to be uplinked this Friday with a single UHF downlink over the weekend. Spirit could enter low-power fault at anytime and become quiet for an extended period of time to charge her batteries.
As of Sol 2203 (March 15, 2010), the rover solar array energy production was to 139 watt-hours with an atmospheric opacity (tau) of 0.379 measured on Sol 2202 (March 14, 2010), and a dust factor of 0.507. Total odometry is unchanged at 7,730.50 meters (4.80 miles).
sols 2192-2199, March 03-11, 2010: Spirit Has A Light Winter Schedule
Spirit is in her winter position, still embedded in the area called "Troy" on the west side of Home Plate.
Winter operations have begun with the rover, which consists of a single 7-sol plan each week. The 7-sol plan contains a single X-band uplink and a single Ultra-High Frequency (UHF) downlink. The activity on each sol consists simply of a brief wakeup, an atmospheric opacity (tau) measurement, and then a shutdown for the rest of the day and night. The last downlink from the rover was on Sol 2195 (March 7, 2010). The next downlink from the rover is not scheduled yet, but expected to be sequenced for this coming weekend. Energy production by the solar arrays has just been matching energy consumption by the rover. However, this will diverge as solar array energy decreases as the sun descends lower in the sky and as rover energy needs increase from heaters as environmental temperatures drop. The risk of a low-power fault (where batteries are drawn down below a specific cell voltage threshold) increases each sol going forward.
As of Sol 2195 (March 7, 2010), the rover solar array energy production was to 151 watt-hours with an atmospheric opacity (tau) of 0.339 (measured on Sol 2193, March 5, 2010) and a dust factor of 0.506 (from Sol 2193 data). Total odometry is unchanged at 7,730.50 meters (4.80 miles).
sols 2185-2191, February 24 - March 02, 2010: Winter Preparations Nearly Complete
Spirit is in her winter position, still embedded in the area called "Troy" on the west side of Home Plate.
Efforts are nearing completion to prepare the rover for winter. Because of the low power levels, multi-sol plans are being developed with reduced communication activity to save energy. Only one or two planning cycles occur each week. These plans have a single uplink to the rover and few Ultra-High Frequency (UHF) downlinks to return the data. The new long-range UHF communication table is onboard and various settings for winter are being finalized.
As of Sol 2191 (March 2, 2010), the rover solar array energy production was to 153 watt-hours with an atmospheric opacity (tau) of 0.331 and a dust factor of 0.510. Total odometry is unchanged at 7,730.50 meters (4.80 miles).
sols 2177-2184, February 16-23, 2010: Spirit in Energy Saving Mode
Spirit is in her winter position, still embedded in the area called "Troy" on the west side of Home Plate. Efforts continue to prepare the rover for winter.
Because of the low power levels, multi-sol plans are being developed with reduced communication activity to save energy. These plans have a single uplink to the rover and few Ultra-High Frequency (UHF) downlinks to return the data. The new long-range UHF communication table is on board and various settings for winter are being prepared.
A special Deep Space Network (DSN) test was performed with Spirit to confirm that even during the time of weakest signal, the DSN should be able to detect the rover's signal with the DSN's Radio Science Receiver (RSR) even if the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter is transmitting.
As of Sol 2184 (Feb. 23, 2010), the rover solar array energy production was to 163 watt-hours with an atmospheric opacity (tau) of 0.367 and a dust factor of 0.518. Total is 7,730.50 meters (4.80 miles).
sols 2171-2176, February 10-15, 2010: Spirit Hunkers Down for Winter
Spirit is parked for the winter in the embedded area called "Troy" on the west side of Home Plate. Efforts continue to prepare the rover for winter.
On Sol 2174 (Feb. 13, 2010), the robotic arm (IDD) was positioned to the most favorable orientation for winter. Documentary imaging is being collected of the terrain and rover. On board flash memory is being emptied, getting down all essential data products. A special table of long-range UHF communication passes is being developed to cover the entire winter period and beyond. As energy levels decrease rover wake times are shortened and many communication passes are being deleted.
As of Sol 2176 (Feb. 15, 2010), the rover solar array energy production was to 173 watt-hours with an atmospheric opacity (tau) of 0.361 and a dust factor of 0.526. Total odometry is 7,730.50 meters (4.80 miles).
sols 2166-2170, February 5-9, 2010: Spirit Parks for the Winter
Spirit is now parked for the winter in the embedded area called "Troy" on the west side of Home Plate.
The last winter-preparatory movement of the rover was commanded on Sol 2169 (Feb. 8, 2010). The rover was commanded to flatten the suspension system on the right side and accentuate the suspension wheelie on the left side, all to enhance northerly tilt. Very little change in tilt was achieved.
At this point, the project is now adjusting various rover parameters and positioning the robotic arm for the winter period. The communication window for various fault conditions has been adjusted to the optimal time of day during the coldest part of the winter. A special table of long-range UHF communication passes is being developed to cover the entire winter period and beyond.
As of Sol 2170 (Feb. 9, 2010), the rover solar array energy production was to 185 watt-hours with an atmospheric opacity (tau) of 0.292 and a dust factor of 0.527. Total odometry is 7,730.50 meters (4.80 miles).
sols 2159-2165, January 29 - February 4, 2010: Improving Northerly Tilt
Spirit is still embedded in the area called "Troy" on the west side of Home Plate.
Energy levels for Spirit have been decreasing rapidly as winter approaches. To increase energy production and to prepare for winter, the rover mobility system is being driven to improve northerly tilt.
On Sol 2161 (Jan. 31, 2010), Spirit drove her wheels backwards, employing several autonomous recovery techniques to prevent early termination of the drive from mobility faults. These autonomous recovery techniques have been effective in permitting the driving to continue much further than otherwise. Several centimeters of backward progress were made by the rover without further sinkage. Northerly tilt improved by about a degree. Every degree in improvement in northerly tilt enhances daily energy production by about 5 watt-hours.
On Sol 2165 (Feb. 4, 2010), another drive was sequenced. This drive achieved less progress and had only a modest improvement in tilt. The next drive plan is to cause the rover suspension to lift one side of the rover, improving northerly tilt. This is likely to be the last rover motion before winter, as energy levels are dropping below levels able to sustain driving. The project is configuring the rover's communication settings and fault parameters in preparation for the winter.
As of Sol 2165 (Feb. 1, 2010), the rover solar array energy production was to 188 watt-hours with an atmospheric opacity (tau) of 0.359 and a dust factor of 0.523. Total odometry is 7,730.48 meters (4.80) miles.
sols 2151-2158, January 20-28, 2010: Spirit Prepares for Winter
Spirit is still embedded in the area called "Troy" on the west side of Home Plate. Energy levels for Spirit have been decreasing rapidly as winter approaches. To prepare for winter, the project is taking actions to improve northerly tilt of the rover to maximize solar illumination.
The best approach has been to drive Spirit backwards. The drives employ a wheel steering action "frog kick" with each drive step. To mitigate against wheel stalls associated with driving in this embedded terrain, an autonomous wheel diagnostics has been added. If a wheel stall occurs, the diagnostic test is run on the stalled wheel. If the wheel passes the diagnostic, then driving resumes. This has been effective in permitting the driving to continue much further than otherwise.
Spirit continues to make several centimeters of backward progress with each drive without further sinkage. In some cases, the rover has gained in elevation. However, northerly tilt has not improved due mainly to the counterclockwise yaw of the rover. Backward driving will continue with the aim to position the rover for the winter with the most favorable orientation achievable.
As of Sol 2158 (Jan. 28, 2010), the rover solar array energy production was down to 182 watt-hours with an atmospheric opacity (tau) of 0.379 and a dust factor of 0.522. Total odometry is 7,730.46 meters (4.80 miles).
sols 2144-2150, January 13-19, 2010: Little Progress in Backward Driving
Spirit is still embedded in the area called "Troy" on the west side of Home Plate.
The project has begun backward driving with Spirit as the next technique to try for extrication. On Sol 2145 (Jan. 14, 2010), the first backward drive was performed. Up until this point, all extrication attempts had been with forward driving. Backward driving includes the additional technique of steering the wheels side-to-side before performing each drive step. The hypothesis on the wheel steering is two-fold. It clears out material in front of the wheel and allows material to slough off the face of the wheel trench providing traction under the wheel, and the flat surface of the wheel side (hub) "kicks" against the loose material like a swimmer's frog kick or breast stroke to provide motive force.
This backward driving technique has shown promise on sols 2145 (Jan. 14, 2010), 2147 (Jan. 16, 2010) and 2050 (Jan. 19, 2010) with the rover moving 3 to 4 centimeters (1.2 to 1.6 inches) per drive and the rover climbing in elevation, even with only four functioning drive wheels.
During the last drive, the left-middle wheel experienced a motor stall. The nature of the stall is not known: whether it is an external obstruction (e.g., a rock) or an internal actuator problem. A set of diagnostics have been sequenced on the rover before the next drive is attempted. As of Sol 2150 (Jan. 19, 2010), the rover solar array energy production was to 211 watt-hours with an atmospheric opacity (tau) of 0.400 and a dust factor of 0.542. Total odometry is 7,730.24 meters (4.80 miles).
sols 2137-2143, January 6-12, 2010: Little Forward Progress
Spirit remains embedded at the location called "Troy" on the West side of Home Plate. Extrication drives were tried on sols 2138, 2140 and 2142 (Jan. 7, 9 and 11, 2010). Each of these drives employed a new technique of steering the wheels back and forth before driving. This has shown some efficacy at sweeping material out of the wheel tracks and allowing fresh material to slough off the leading trench face providing traction under the wheel. Slower wheel speeds were also tried on two of the drives. However, even with these new techniques, little forward progress has been achieved. And excessive sinkage continues to occur with each attempt.
Both the right-front and right-rear wheel continue to be non-functional.
Next, Spirit will switch directions and attempt to drive backward to see if that provides better progress.
As of Sol 2143 (Jan. 12, 2010), Spirit's solar-array energy production is 225 watt-hours, with an atmospheric opacity (tau) of 0.490 and a dust factor of 0.539. Total odometry is 7,730.12 meters (4.80 miles).
sols 2131-2136, December 31, 2009 - January 5, 2010: Toe-In Maneuver Before Drive
Spirit remains embedded at the location called "Troy" on the west side of Home Plate. Attempts to extricate Spirit have been complicated by the lack of functionality in both the right-rear and right-front wheels.
On Sol 2132 (Jan. 1, 2010), the left-front, left-rear, and right-rear wheels were steered 60 degrees toe-in to try and cause material in front of the wheels to collapse into the trenches in which the wheels are embedded. The wheels were then steered back to straight forward in an attempt to use the flat outer surface of the wheel to push the previously collapsed material to the side of the wheel. The intent of this is to provide a free space in front of each wheel into which it may move. Four 2.5-meter (8.2-foot) forward drive steps were then commanded. The right-front wheel was then steered inward 60 degrees to allow driving with the wheel threads more aligned with the direction of motion. The Sol 2132 drive was terminated during the initial steering of the wheels due to the flight software believing the left-rear steering motor had stalled. The left-rear wheel was continuing to steer but resistance from the surrounding soil had slowed it to a rate that the flight software did not detect as motion.
For Sol 2136 (Jan. 5, 2010), the team sequenced a drive to continue where the Sol 2132 drive terminated. The left-front, left-rear, and right-rear wheels were commanded back to straight. Four 2.5-meter (8.2-foot) drive steps were then commanded. The right-front wheel was then commanded to steer inward 60 degrees. An additional four 2.5-meter (8.2-foot) drive steps were commanded. The drive was terminated due to the onboard sinkage measurement in excess of 1 centimeter (0.4 inch). This drive achieved only 2.28 centimeters (0.9 inch) of forward progress.
As of Sol 2136 (Jan. 5, 2010), Spirit's solar-array energy production is 243 watt-hours, with an atmospheric opacity (tau) of 0.482 and a dust factor of 0.545. Total odometry is 7,730.08 meters (4.80 miles).
