Props2u (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

I agree, that landing method is way over the top. Besides whether or not it lets go at the right time, they also have to worry about the carrier turning its thrusters and moving away so it doesnt land on top of it!! haha "superball" method. That IS the best way though. This program just got delayed another year. Hopefully they change the way it will land.

Celly222 (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

I dont trust these kinds of landings. Nothing beats the big ol' rubber superball method. If that carrier lets go of the lander just slightly too soon......... *smash* whereas with the superball you just let it bounce around. Phoenix lucked out i think. Spirit and Opportunity used the superball and ruled mars.

rdriedger (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

that landing gear almost seems excessive much awesome

MikeHawkins (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

JPL says due to delays it won't launch until Fall of 2009 but still arrive in 2010 just a few months later than originally planned. The die-hards Rovers still at it, one headed to a massive 14 mile wide crater 7 miles away...

subach (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

We're sending a robot with a laser to mars, the irony is so sweet I can taste it.

Pawalskij (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

that was fucking sweet

FlyUSNavy (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

its nuclear powered, no solar panels.

joachim2464 (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

this will be a pretty big rover. But where are the solar panels?

Darealwhip (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

If NASA could assemble few more robots with off the shelf components in a modular fashion to simplify construction and cut cost. Also few robots could be just loaded with Image and sensing equipment.

Darealwhip (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

I share you concern about cost...Lets you congresman know that this robots could be mass produce to slice cost in a half and get more robots on mars surface...