NASA's Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity has sent back a photo of "Marathon Valley." Here is the link: Mars "Marathon Valley:
In the text they make the observation that:
by the time Opportunity explores Marathon Valley, the rover will have exceeded a total driving distance equivalent to an Olympic marathon.
I'm wondering if this certified. I checked with Pete Riegel to see if he and Tom had sold a counter to NASA. I doubt they have the technical expertise that it took to develop the counter. Pete said their customer list is confidential. I'm also wondering if Opportunity has a steel tape in order to lay out a calibration course.
One more thing: They use the term, "Olympic Marathon." I wonder what the length is compared to a non-Olympic Marathon.
Alan
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