Those over-achieving Martian rovers Opportunity and Spirit are to have their funding cut by 40%.

Designed to last 90 days, but still roving after 4 years, the vehicles are becoming an unexpeced budget drain.

Rover svengali Steve Squyres tells Space.com “We’re rapidly coming to the conclusion that if we have to implement this cut, it’s going to mean essentially shutting off science activities for one of the vehicles.”

Which is sad news. Both rovers are sending back useful science, so the decision will be a tough one.