[extropy-chat] Mars rovers RIP?

[spike]

> bounces at lists.extropy.org] On Behalf Of Jeff Davis
> Subject: RE: [extropy-chat] Mars rovers RIP?
> 
> --- spike <spike66 at comcast.net> wrote:
> 
> > Oh ye of little faith.  These rovers are a Lockheeed
> > Martin product.  {8-]
> 
> Hey, that's terrific.  I didn't know.  So, Mr.
> Insider, Mr. LockMart Boaster boy, how about tracking
> down those specs for us so that everyone can enjoy a
> level playing field.
> 
> Best, Jeff D

The specs?  Those specs called for a three month life with a
probability of failure not greater than 5%.  That wouldn't
tell you the answer you asked.

What we need is the reliability/life cycle model.  I do not
personally have access to that model, so I cannot offer a
estimate of the life of those Mars rovers on that basis.

That being said, there is some info that might be useful
for this wager you propose Jeff.  I don't know what type
of batteries are in these rovers, but generally that is the
subsystem that has a definable lifespan.  If we can find
out what type of batteries they use, I can offer a useful
estimate of a time/probability distribution.

I heard that the battery/solar charging system was not
designed to survive the Martian winter.  They did once, so
perhaps they will survive again.

spike