NASA officially ended communications with the Mars Rover Spirit today after an incredible 7 year mission.  The mission was designed to last only 90 days in 2004.  It is believed that the last martian winter, colder than it has encountered in the past 7 years, caused damage to it’s internal systems.  While there is still a chance it may accumulate enough power from it’s solar panels to start transmitting again, NASA believes that, this time, the chances are now remote.  Transmissions stopped on March 22, 2010.

Spirit, along with it’s still functioning twin Opportunity, delivered unprecedented scientific information as well as providing us with panoramic views of the planet Mars.