NASA Opportunity rover: Touching tributes bid farewell to NASA rover after 15-year mission
“And it’s the technical legacy of the Mars Exploration Rovers, which is carried aboard Curiosity and the upcoming Mars 2020 mission. Farewell, Opportunity, and well done.”
Thousands of tributes were also seen on social media, where astrophysicists, celebrities and science enthusiasts alike shared their kind words.
George Takei, who played Hikaru Sulu in the original Star Trek series, tweeted: “RIP Opportunity and thank you for your service.”
Renowned physicist and TV scientist Brian Cox said: “Hard not to feel sad about Opportunity but what a mission!
“Exploring Mars since 2004. I’m sure one day someone will find it and put it in a Martian museum.”
READ MORE: When is NASA going BACK to the Moon? Chief pledges ‘ASAP return’