NASA concerned about Mars rovers

PASADENA, Calif., Aug. 1 (UPI) -- National Aeronautics and Space Administration scientists said they are becoming increasingly concerned about the status of the Mars exploration rovers.

NASA engineers said one rover, Opportunity, remains nearly inactive due to dust storms on Mars that have been ongoing for more than a month.

Atmospheric dust and particles settling onto Opportunity's solar panels are challenging the rover's ability to convert sunlight into enough electricity to supply its needs.

Scientists at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif., said the most recent communication from Opportunity was received Monday and indicated sunlight over the rover's location was only slightly less obscured than during the dustiest days that occurred in mid-July.

With dust accumulating on its solar panels, the rover is producing barely as much energy as it is using in the very-low-power regimen it has been following since July 18.

The other Mars rover, Spirit, was also accumulating dust on its solar panels, said John Callas, rover project manager at JPL.

"We will continue to watch the situation on Mars and do all we can to assist our rovers in this ongoing battle against the environmental elements on the Red Planet," Callas said.