From: bmorrell@notriad.spamrr.evercom.retro.com   
      
   i have read that they are built to last 90 days. however, in the past when   
   they said it would work x, it has always worked 2x to 3x, so we could still   
   be watching them roll in late spring or early summer (earthime)   
      
   Bob   
      
   "Arie Kazachin"  wrote   
   in message news:btkmbj$e72$1@news.att.net.il...   
   > Hello!   
   >   
   > Reading various bits of info about Mars rovers on various sites   
   > I haven't noticed (or missed?) any info about their life expectancy   
   > on the Mars surface.   
   >   
   > I'l curious to know what limits their life? Do they consume anything   
   > like batteries charge-discharge cycles?   
   >   
   > Is their ability to recharge batteries limited by the Mratian seasons?   
   > In how long time the dust will cover the solar panels to such extent   
   > that batteries could no longer be charged? Can these panels be rotated   
   > briefly to vertical to allow the dust to fall off?   
   >   
   > Is there any lubrication of the moving parts (especially wheels) that   
   > is consumed over time?   
   >   
   > What is the expected time for the dust to clog various moving parts?   
   >   
   > Anything else?   
   >   
   > TIA,   
   >   
   ****************************************************************************   
   **   
   > *   Arie Kazachin, Israel, e-mail:   
   ariek@attglobal3.14159265358979323846.net *   
   >   
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   trap.   
   >   
      
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