More Martian troubles. Spirit is still stuck in soft soil, and so far the three attempts to drive out have resulted in two wheel slips (thus halting the drive), and the rover has moved in total 16 millimeters forwards, 10 millimeters to the left and 5 millimeters (0.20 inch) downward. All this from 9.5 metres of wheel spin.

On top of Spirit’s woes, the Mars Odyssey orbiter, which relays information to and from the rovers, over the weekend put itself into safe standby mode (press release).

This means that the rovers have to communicate directly with Earth, rather than through the orbiter. Over at New Scientist we are told that this isn’t necessarily a problem, but it slows things down somewhat.

NASA scientists don’t, outwardly, seem too concerned about the problem, likening it to the need to reboot a personal computer, or laptop from time to time.

But wait – there’s more. The Mars Reconnaissance orbiter is also in trouble, after rebooting itself in August. Last week plans to try and rescue the machine, which has been kept in safe mode ever since were announced.

At least Opportunity, Spirit’s twin rover, is still going strong – currently exploring a rock named Marquette Island.

Image: Spirit’s stalled rear right wheel, NASA/JPL