Mars rover surpasses Viking 1's longevity record

LOS ANGELES (AP) - NASA's Mars rover Opportunity has achieved another milestone.

On Thursday, it surpassed Viking 1's long-standing record for surviving on the surface of Mars.

Viking 1 landed in 1976 and operated for six years and 116 days.

Opportunity touched down in 2004 several weeks after its twin Spirit.

Spirit has been silent in an apparent winter hibernation since late March. NASA has to wait until the Martian spring to determine if it's still alive and is the actual record holder.

Both rovers have exceeded their original three month mission. Opportunity has driven more than 12 miles and is slowly making its way to the largest crater.