By what approximate distance, in kilometers, did Spirit exceed its short, planned operational traverse?
Answer
7.73 kilometers (4.8 miles)
The initial operational plan for Spirit was relatively brief, requiring only a traverse of a few hundred meters to confirm water-formed minerals. Despite mechanical hurdles, Spirit maintained mobility and ultimately traveled a total distance of approximately 7.73 kilometers (4.8 miles) before contact was lost. This distance represents an extraordinary achievement, as it is vastly more than the minimal ground required for the primary mission, transforming the short investigation into an extensive, long-duration geological survey of diverse terrains far from the landing ellipse.
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