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Position Markers in Preparation for Test

July 13, 2009
Mars Exploration Rover team members at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif., prepare an experiment on July 13, 2009, for assessing how a test rover moves when embedded in loose soil and commanded to drive backward with wheels turned.

Mars Exploration Rover team members at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif., prepare an experiment on July 13, 2009, for assessing how a test rover moves when embedded in loose soil and commanded to drive backward with wheels turned. Brenda Franklin (top) observes as Julie Townsend (kneeling) places position markers for facilitating measurements after the test run.

This work was part of a series of tests at JPL designed to determine the best way to get NASA's Spirit rover out of a Martian patch of soft soil called "Troy," where Spirit's wheels have dug in.

To see updates on the efforts to free the Spirit rover, visit the JPL Free Spirit website.

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