In a multi-phased bit of "robotic origami" -- the ancient art of paper folding -- Spirit has turned itself from a lander into a rover, said Chris Voorhees, Mechanical Systems Engineer at JPL.
Voorhees said the Spirit rover is now standing atop the lander platform, supporting itself. "Shes asleep right nowand resting on all sixes," he said.
Set-me-free agenda
There are still some tense moments yet to come.
The rover is still attached to the lander. Tomorrow the middle wheels of the rover are to be unlocked and ready to roll -- the second to last release item on a set-me-free agenda for the robot. Also on tap is first-time movement of Spirits instrument deployment arm.
The following day the final cable will be cut that attaches the rover to the lander.
Engineers here are simulating the roll off of the lander. Spirit will also be repositioned atop the lander deck, in a set of moves that align the rover to the expected egress direction.
Make-or-break days ahead
The upcoming two days are make-or-break for final release of Spirit.
"Because of all the pyrotechnic firings and cable cutters that have happened so well already, were not concerned," Trosper told SPACE.com . "So far theyve all worked like a champ".
Given the unlocking of the mid-wheels tomorrow, there is one remaining action item.
A rear cable attached to the back of the rover must be severed. "And thats it. Then were looseready to roll," Trosper said.
Devilish dust
Mark Lemmon, science team member for the Mars rovers at Texas A&M University, has begun analyzing the pervasive atmospheric dust at Gusev Crater. Dust falling on the Spirits solar panels is being carefully watched, he said.
Falling particles of dust covering the robots solar cells cuts decreases the amount of energy they produce. So far, power levels for the rover are well within margin.
Like a foggy day here on Earth, there are good days and bad for clear air on Mars.
"We hope and expect itll clear out a little bit as time goes by," Lemmon explained.
Lemmon is on the lookout for dust devils swirls of dust that are known to crisscross Gusev Crater. None have been caught in action as yet.
"Spirited" discussion
Matt Golombek said he was quite pleased that early geological interpretations of the Gusev Crater site where Spirit now rests proved correct. He said the key three words for any touchdown spot of Mars is "safety, safety, safety."
It doesnt matter how good you think the science is going to be where you land if you dont land safely," Golombek added.
Golombek is particularly hopeful that the rover can make a long-distance traverse to several nearby hills. "Many of us would be very excited about giving it a try," he said, but a "spirited debate" is underway about such a plan.
The geologic bonanza that awaits there would be highly prized by Spirit scientists.
Predictions for Meridiani Planum
Now speeding toward the red planet is Opportunity, the second robot in NASAs two-part Mars Exploration Rover effort. It will land at Meridiani Planum, halfway around the planet from where Spirit is exploring.
Golombek said that forecasts about Gusevs terrain bode well in figuring out what awaits Opportunity at Meridiani Planum.
"We predicted that this sitewill look completely different from any of the four landing sites that we have landed on," Golombek noted. That targeted zone is expected to contain very little dust, and also be a grayish, rolling terrain, he said.
Well see if those predictions are right," Golombek said.
Mars Rovers: Complete Coverage
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