Mars too cold for Pathfinder

Transmission between the Jet Propulsion Laboratory here and Pathfinder was cut between September 27 and October 7, when contact was made for 15 minutes. The brief return of transmission on October 7 seemed to indicate that the probe was relying entirely on solar panels for its power. As a result of the communication glitch, scientists have had no news of the mobile robot Sojourner, which communicates with Earth through Pathfinder.

Early during its stay on Mars, Pathfinder operated around the clock, using solar panels during the day and a non-rechargeable battery at night. Scientists speculate that the battery may be used up.