How many Sols did the Spirit rover operate compared to its 90-sol design goal?
Answer
2,208 Sols (about 6 years and 2 months)
The Spirit rover was initially designed for a primary mission lasting only 90 Martian sols, which is equivalent to about 92 Earth days. However, due to its robust engineering and resilient operation, Spirit vastly exceeded this expectation. The mission continued to gather critical scientific data for several years, finally ceasing communication in May 2010, having operated for a total duration of 2,208 Martian sols, which translates to roughly six years and two months. This phenomenal longevity allowed it to conduct a long-term geological survey far surpassing the original limited scope.
#Videos
Spirit Rover Completes Mission on Mars - YouTube
Related Questions
How many Sols did the Spirit rover operate compared to its 90-sol design goal?Which basin was selected as the landing site for Spirit based on orbital data suggesting a past lake?What key mineral discovery by Spirit suggested a long-lived, possibly warm, aqueous environment on Mars?What critical mechanical failure struck Spirit in May 2009, threatening its power supply?What instruments were crucial for Spirit in identifying mineralogy that requires water to form?By what approximate distance, in kilometers, did Spirit exceed its short, planned operational traverse?What driving strategy allowed Spirit to continue operating after its right front wheel became disabled?Which specific location did Spirit reach, characterized as a scientifically interesting spot, before its final communication loss in 2010?In what month and year did NASA officially declare the Spirit mission complete after multiple failed contact attempts?What name was assigned by scientists to the ridge where Spirit’s silent rover body eventually rested?