This image taken by the front hazard-avoidance camera on the Mars Exploration Rover Spirit demonstrates that the rover successfully completed its second, five-wheeled drive over a distance of 3 meters (9.8 feet). The rover has now traveled a total of 10 meters (32.8 feet) in this fashion. Because Spirit's right front wheel has been showing signs of wear, rover planners will drive it backwards on its remaining five wheels. The sixth wheel will be activated only when it is needed to surmount more demanding terrain. This picture was taken on July 15, 2004, and shows the view from behind the backward-facing rover.
Name | Value | Additional Values |
---|---|---|
Target | Mars | |
System | ||
Target Type | Planet | |
Mission | Mars Exploration Rover (MER) | |
Instrument Host | Spirit (MER-A) | |
Host Type | Rover | |
Instrument | Hazard Camera (Hazcam) | |
Detector | ||
Extra Keywords | Color | |
Acquisition Date | ||
Release Date | 2004-07-16 | |
Date in Caption | 2004-07-15 | |
Image Credit | NASA/JPL | |
Source | photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA06686 | |
Identifier | PIA06686 |