NASA Engineers Try To Remedy Stuck Probe On Mars

By Joe Palca

Published June 12, 2019 at 2:45 PM CDT

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

Corrected: June 11, 2019 at 11:00 PM CDT

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

Support paywall-free journalism

KCUR prides ourselves on bringing local journalism to the public without a paywall — ever.

Our reporting will always be free for you to read. But it's not free to produce.

As a nonprofit, we rely on your donations to keep operating and trying new things. If you value our work, consider becoming a member.

Donate Now