10 Years A Roving: A.J.S. Rayl on the Mars Exploration Rovers

What a long, wonderful trip it has been for Spirit and Opportunity, the Mars Exploration Rovers. Planetary Society reporter Salley Rayl has been writing about their adventure every month for ten years as AJS Rayl. She looks back on this week’s show. Emily Lakdawalla and Bill Nye the Science Guy also look back at the top space stories of 2013. Bruce Betts looks back in every episode as he reviews This Week in Space History.  He and Mat Kaplan give away a Year in Space wall calendar.

Related Links

• AJS Rayl's most recent Mars Exploration Rovers Update--Opportunity Ascends Murray Ridge in to Clay Mineral Grounds
• Mars Exploration Rovers Update Archive
• Emily Lakdawalla: Chang'e 3 Update With Lots of Pictures
• The Planetary Society 2013 Thank You Video

Trivia Contest

This week's prize is the 2014 Year In Space Wall Calendar!

This week's question:
Around what location in space will the Gaia spacecraft orbit?

To submit your answer:
Complete the contest entry form at http:planetary.org/radiocontest or write to us at [email protected] no later than Monday, December 30, at 2pm Pacific Time.  Be sure to include your name and mailing address.

Last week's question:
What is the only planet in the solar system besides Earth to have had a successful soft lander before it had a successful orbiter?

Answer:
The answer will be revealed next week.

Question from the week before:
What mass of lunar regolith did Apollo 17 return to Earth?

Answer:
Nearly 111 kilograms of regolith.