It’s a Christmas miracle! To celebrate the latest news that Spirit’s broken front right wheel started to move again after more than three years of being broken, the Great Beyond has composed a festive song.

The Christmas Spirit

(to the tune of Little Donkey – original lyrics here)

Little Spirit, little Spirit, in some sticky soil,

Got to keep on, roving onwards, keep your engines oiled

Been a long time, little Spirit, through the Martian night

Don’t give up now, little Spirit,

Gusev Crater’s in sight

Don’t spin your wheels tonight

Bring us your science, Bring us your science

Climb out that hole tonight

Bring us your science, Bring us your science

Little Spirit, little Spirit, had a heavy day

Little Spirit, move your wheels, go safely on your way

Little Spirit, little Spirit, journey’s end is near

There are wisemen sending data, to make your rear wheels steer

Do not falter little Spirit, there’s a slope ahead

It will guide you, little Spirit, from your sandy bed

Don’t spin your wheels tonight

Bring us your science, Bring us your science

Climb out that hole tonight

Bring us your science, Bring us your science

Little Spirit, little Spirit, had a heavy day

Little Spirit, move your wheels, go safely on your way

Little Spirit, move your wheels, go safely on your way

Image: NASA/JPL-Caltech – Spirit’s tracks