The Mars rover itself has survived two and a half years on Mars . The 5-foot craft was designed to last 90 days . ` `` The rovers were designed to last in extreme conditions , and we 've taken great care in how to operate them , '' said JPL roboticist Vandi Tompkins , one of Opportunity 's former operators . ` We ' ve taken great risks '' in operating it , former astronaut said .
The Mars rover itself has survived two and a half years on Mars . The 5-foot craft was designed to last 90 days . ` ` We ' ve taken great risks '' in operating it , former astronaut said .