Michael Carnes wrote:
Looks like Mars Global Surveyor is finally done.
Alas, it looks like you are right (although I see they are still trying to reestablish contact). But considering the problems MGS had when it first reached Mars (has it really been 10 years?!?) I suppose we're lucky we got as much out of it as we did.
Let's hope MRS (Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter) has an equally successful career.
So far so good. Far fewer problems than MGS had on entry and already MRO's lower mapping orbit and higher resolution cameras are creating stunning images (http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/mro/gallery/press/D-Gully-highlight.html). So, as Mariner 9 gave way to Viking and Viking to MGS perhaps it's time for MGS to give way to MRO. And of course let's not forget the two rovers. Now more than 900 sols each past "warranty" one has to wonder how much longer they can last. We may be having more than our share of problems on _this_ planet but it's nice to see just how right we can get it at Mars. pw