Scientists are concerned about the condition of the Mars Rover Spirit as it is stuck in the soil on the planet Mars. The golf cart-sized vehicle finds its six-wheels sinking half way into the ground and slipping severely in a unique combination of soft, sandy material (regolith) that slopes in a place known as Gusev crater.Mission scientists have ceased to move the rover in an attempt to create a mock-up on Earth of the situation millions of miles from the control room in an attempt to free the vehicle and continue Mars surface exploration operations. If the rover wheels can not be set free it will be marooned in-place stuck in hub-deep and up to its belly in a patch of soft sand. One Mars scientists said, "Spirit is in a very difficult situation. We are proceeding methodically and cautiously." More from The San Francisco Chronicle and NPR audio.
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