Hopes fade for missing Mars Global Surveyor

Break out the tissues fellow space nerds, for it seems our precious Mars Global Surveyor spacecraft has finally fallen silent after long outlasting its life expectancy and, in all likelihood, will not be heard from again. The first sign of trouble came on November 2nd, when the spacecraft reported problems adjusting one of its solar panels -- its only other contact since came on November 5th, when the MGS let out a faint, final signal. (Are you sobbing yet?) Attempts to subsequently locate the craft with the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter have turned up nothing, with a last ditch effort now planned to listen for the craft's radio beacon using the Opportunity rover on the planet's surface. NASA scientists, however, are not optimistic about their prospects, saying that even if they were able to locate the spacecraft, attempting to fix the problem could actually make things worse. Despite losing contact, NASA says the spacecraft should continue to silently orbit the planet for about 40 years, after which it will finally succumb to the harshness of space and plunge into Mars' atmosphere. So long, MGS. You showed 'em how it's done.

[Sentient @ Nov 23rd 2006 1:34AM]

Pwnt.

[Diesel @ Nov 23rd 2006 1:51AM]

are those rovers still running? Jeez, hasn't it been months past their own expectancy... NASA really does have their stuff together in unknown ways

[John Doe @ Nov 23rd 2006 3:14AM]

Try years. I think those two little rovers single handedly brought NASA back from the brink. The string of failed missions was NOT making NASA look good in any way shape or form. Spirit and Opportunity are a godsend to NASA both in the PR, and no doubt in the morale, department.

[Chris @ Nov 23rd 2006 1:59AM]

why is this on engadget?

[Revrant2394 @ Nov 23rd 2006 8:35AM]

Big, fancy ass Gadget failure.

[Octavus @ Nov 23rd 2006 2:02AM]

I think those 2 rovers are like 2 years past their life expectancy.
I think GM should learn from NASA on how to keep things working longer.

[Tim Burns @ Nov 23rd 2006 2:03AM]

Trying to fix it could make it worse? How much worse than "never being heard from again" can it get?

[Hugh Jass @ Nov 23rd 2006 2:09AM]

Succumb to the harshness of space? I assume by that you mean gravity...

[Phour ZwanZig @ Nov 23rd 2006 2:15AM]

This is sad.. I was wonding why I havent heard more on the craft..

And as far as how could it make it worse.. Im guessin they mean itd be worse of a problem trying to fix it than just locating it.. meaning a harder feat to pull off than just trying to find the spec in the Martian sky..

[jonas @ Nov 23rd 2006 2:50AM]

it's the transformers, stupid!

[Vinny @ Nov 23rd 2006 3:09AM]

According to this, I think the Mars Rover was just too pissed to continue...
http://www.theonion.com/content/node/54360

[Kip HT @ Nov 23rd 2006 8:04AM]

HAHAHA. Funniest thing I have read all week!

Everyone should go read the article.

I bet it must be boring up there:

"However, because of the Spirit's recent proclivity toward ramming into boulders at full speed..."

[bobby @ Nov 23rd 2006 3:25AM]

sad day...

[Rynth @ Nov 23rd 2006 4:09AM]

*sniff* Alas poor MGS, I knew ye so little.. yet so much... *sniff* you did so much for us all! We'll remember you!! *sniff*

[strider_mt2k @ Nov 23rd 2006 7:49AM]

MGS did a great job.
Did the mission and went beyond.

One of the things that we should hear more about is when these probes outlast their life expectancy.

There are probes (Pioneer 10, I'm looking in your direction with a powerful radio telescope) that have exceeded their lifespans by DECADES and have stopped being monitored!

I for one salute our robotic explorers.
Domo.

Robot Scouts: Trailblazers for human exploration!

[Grizz @ Nov 23rd 2006 11:47AM]

*Cry*

[Ooober Dude @ Nov 23rd 2006 1:21PM]

Dam i wonder how much this is going to cost?..
(caugh) tax payers money....

[Murc @ Nov 24th 2006 1:28AM]

oh well, its done a good job.

Nasa's newest sat above Mars is in tip-top shape...and will operational for a long time to come.