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MER batteries: a dynamic duo

MER batteries: a dynamic duo
MER batteries: a dynamic duo Despite some rumblings that Opportunity’s batteries may be dead or damaged beyond use, JPL’s own MER battery experts, Kumar Bugga and Marshall Smart, who developed the electrolyte that goes into the cells of the batteries to withstand the brutal beyond freezing temperatures on Mars, don’t think either scenario is likely. If the battery voltage dropped too low however, that could reduce the battery capacity and performance they say. But that doesn’t mean the rover couldn’t still rove on, once she is recovered and back to nominal status. NASA / JPL-Caltech