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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