NASA Ends 15-Year Mars Rover Mission After Massive Dust Storm
NASA officially declares the Mars rover Opportunity dead after losing contact with the spacecraft during a massive dust storm last summer. The resilient robot far outlives its planned 90-day mission, leaving behind a massive scientific legacy.
NASA officially declares the Mars rover Opportunity dead after the space agency fails to revive the spacecraft following a massive planet-wide dust storm. The severe storm blankets the solar-powered rover's panels with dust last summer, cutting off its access to sunlight and forcing it into a deep sleep. Despite over eight months of rescue efforts and more than a thousand recovery commands sent from Earth, the rover remains silent.
The loss marks the end of a remarkably successful mission that far exceeds all original expectations. Opportunity lands on the Red Planet in January 2004 for a planned 90-day mission, but instead explores the Martian surface for nearly 15 years. During this time, the resilient robot travels over 28 miles and provides groundbreaking evidence that liquid water once flowed on Mars.
The mission team gathers at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory to share final messages and say an emotional goodbye to the beloved rover. While Opportunity's journey is over, its extensive scientific data continues to help researchers understand Martian geology and prepare for future human exploration. Meanwhile, NASA's Curiosity rover continues to operate successfully on the other side of the planet.