Due to the planned US$ 4 million budget cut, NASA is is torn over what will happen to one of the Mars Exploration Rovers, Spirit. According to Steve Squyres, the Rover program principle investigator, Spirit would have to be put into sleep once the budget cut takes effect.

But Squyres reassured that Spirit will be up and running again once the budget is restored. There was no definite date given concerning the replenishment of the funds.

Squyres also mentioned that the budget cut would mean layoffs for the 300 scientists in charge of operating and analyzing the Mars Exploration Rovers.

However, NASA's administrator Michael Griffin clarified that they actually have no plans in shutting down poor Spirit despite the budget cut, which was meant to offset cost overruns that will be incurred next year, once NASA launches another rover. Explained NASA spokesman Bob Jacobs:

There is a process that has to be followed for any mission to be canceled and the cancellation of the Mars Exploration Rovers is not under consideration. There is an ongoing budget review within the agency's Mars exploration program. However, shutting down of one of the rovers is not an option.

Both Spirit and its twin, Opportunity, have proven to be more than useful assets to NASA and its space exploration efforts. They both outlived their initial 90-day lifespan, and are now in their fourth year of existence. Spirit, in particular, has discovered a habitable niche on Mars just a few months ago.