NASA Engineers Try To Remedy Stuck Probe On Mars

By Joe Palca

Published June 12, 2019 at 5:02 AM EDT

Support structure for the thermal probe called "the mole."

Corrected: June 12, 2019 at 12:00 AM EDT

We incorrectly say mission managers plan to move a support structure out of the way this week. They're actually planning to do it sometime later in June.

Joe Palca

Joe Palca is a science correspondent for NPR. Since joining NPR in 1992, Palca has covered a range of science topics — everything from biomedical research to astronomy. He is currently focused on the eponymous series, "Joe's Big Idea." Stories in the series explore the minds and motivations of scientists and inventors. Palca is also the founder of NPR Scicommers – A science communication collective.

See stories by Joe Palca

You make NHPR possible.

NHPR is nonprofit and independent. We rely on readers like you to support the local, national, and international coverage on this website. Your support makes this news available to everyone.

Give today. A monthly donation of $5 makes a real difference.