National Aeronautics and Space Administration
www.nasa.gov
The Mars Exploration Rovers: Spirit and Opportunity
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Mercury
Venus
Earth
Mars
Jupiter
Saturn
Uranus Neptune
JPL 400-1548A 12/13
packed the lander inside a heat shield and back shell
attached to a cruise stage. Upon arrival, with the
spacecraft’s velocity still increasing from the pull of
Mars’ gravity, the entry capsule jettisoned the cruise
stage. A large supersonic parachute inflated in the
thin Martian atmosphere to slow the lander. Near the
ground, solid rocket motors fired to reduce landing
speed further. Airbags inflated around the lander to
cushion the impact, and the lander bounced and rolled
to a stop on Mars. Once the airbags deflated, the
lander’s “petals” opened, revealing the rover ready to
raise its “head,” stand up, and roll off for its adventures
on Mars.
The Mars Exploration Rover Mission
Spirit and Opportunity are identical twin robotic rovers that have gone far beyond their original scientific
objectives to rewrite our understanding of the early history of Mars. NASA sent these two “robotic geologists”
on a 90-day mission to search for geological clues
regarding environmental conditions on early Mars, and
assess whether those environments were conducive to
life. The mission team chose two landing sites, Gusev
Crater and Meridiani Planum, for the likelihood that
liquid water, a prerequisite for life, was once present
there.
Each rover far outlasted its design lifetime. Spirit
launched June 10, 2003, and landed in Gusev Crater
on January 4, 2004. Opportunity launched July 7,
2003, and landed in Meridiani Planum on January 25,
2004. Opportunity continues to operate in its tenth
year. Spirit’s final communication to Earth occurred on
March 22, 2010, about six years into its mission. The
rover lasted 20 times longer than its original design.
During their journeys of exploration, Spirit and Opportunity outperformed even the most optimistic expectations of their builders. For scientists studying Mars, the
robotic rovers proved to be the next best thing to actually being there with geology tools in hand. The tenyear record of discoveries compiled during the mission
has helped scientists reconstruct a past when Mars
was awash in water, which may have created environments favorable for microbial life.
Scientific Findings
The mission took one of the first steps in understanding the possibilities for life on Mars: whether the
Martian environment ever could have supported life.
Analysis of rocks and soil in several of the locales explored by the rovers shows changes in the rock record
that could only occur from persistent soaking in water.
Spirit found soils and rocks with extremely high concentrations of materials that typically form in either hot
springs or volcanic steam vents. These conditions may
have been favorable for supporting microbial life. On
Earth, microbes known as “extremophiles” thrive in
similar environments.
Opportunity found that more chemically neutral, “drinkable” water once persisted on Mars before an acidic
period in the ancient past, thus creating more favorable
conditions for microbial life. The rovers’ discoveries
made a huge leap forward in expanding the possibility
that Mars once provided habitable conditions.
Following the trail of past water on Mars, the rovers
successfully allowed scientists to characterize much of
what the red planet was like when liquid water flowed
there.
Science Tools
Each rover carries a science payload consisting of a
Miniature Thermal Emission Spectrometer and Panoramic Camera at the top of a rotatable mast (the
rover’s “neck”) to survey the surrounding terrain. A
robotic arm helps scientists examine rocks and soils,
by using contact instruments (Alpha Particle X-Ray
Spectrometer, Mössbauer Spectrometer, and a Microscopic Imager) and a Rock Abrasion Tool. Engineering sensors and other components are also useful for
science investigations and for navigation and mobility.
These include stereo navigation cameras, front and
rear stereo hazard avoidance cameras, wheel motors,
wheel motor current and voltage data for measuring
ground properties, the wheels themselves for digging,
gyros, accelerometers for describing terrain contours,
and solar cell readings for measuring how much dust is
in the atmosphere or deposited on the rover.
Spacecraft Design
Each spacecraft contained a rover tucked inside a
lander. For the trip from Earth to Mars, engineers
The Mars Exploration Rover mission is part of NASA’s Mars
Exploration Program, a long-term, multi-mission effort to understand Mars as a potential place for past or present life (its
habitability), to seek signs of life, and to prepare for human
exploration. The Jet Propulsion Laboratory, a division of the
California Institute of Technology, manages the mission on behalf of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate.
Other NASA Center partners include Ames Research Center,
Langley Research Center, Glenn Research Center, and Kennedy Space Center. Science payload partners include Cornell
University, Arizona State University, Max Planck Institut für
Chemie, Johannes Gutenberg University, Niels Bohr Institute,
Honeybee Robotics, and the U.S. Geological Survey.
More Information
marsrovers.jpl.nasa.gov
An artist’s concept of one of the Mars
Exploration Rovers on the surface of
Mars.
Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/Cornell
www.nasa.gov
Spirit: Ascent of Husband Hill
JPL 400-1548B 12/13
1
2
The Mars Exploration Rover Mission
Spirit and Opportunity are identical twin robotic rovers that have gone far beyond their original scientific
objectives to rewrite our understanding of the early history of Mars. NASA sent these two “robotic geologists”
on a 90-day mission to search for geological clues
regarding environmental conditions on early Mars, and
assess whether those environments were conducive to
life. The mission team chose two landing sites, Gusev
Crater and Meridiani Planum, for the likelihood that
liquid water, a prerequisite for life, was once present
there.
Each rover far outlasted its design lifetime. Spirit
launched June 10, 2003, and landed in Gusev Crater on January 4, 2004. Opportunity launched July 7,
2003, and landed in Meridiani Planum on January 25,
2004. Opportunity continues to operate in its tenth
year. Spirit’s final communication to Earth occurred on
March 22, 2010, about six years into its mission. The
rover lasted 20 times longer than its original design.
Columbia Hills or Bust
When Spirit landed on a rock-strewn plain, faraway
hills beckoned from about 1.6 miles (2.6 kilometers)
away. Impossible to reach in the originally planned
90 sols (Martian days), Spirit trekked for six months
to reach them, becoming the first mountain-climbing
robot on another planet. Spirit scaled the nearest of
the seven Columbia Hills, named for each member of
the lost crew of Space Shuttle Columbia. Husband Hill,
honoring Commander Rick Husband, stands 348 feet
(106 meters) higher than the site where Spirit landed
20 months prior. The rover’s months-long trek through
different layers of hilly terrain richly rewarded us with
new discoveries, as each layer contained clues to past
environmental conditions on Mars.
Hot Springs and Violent Volcanoes
While volcanic rocks covered the plain Spirit crossed
on its way to the hill, the ascent of Husband Hill
brought a fascinating new landscape into view and
completely different geologic conditions to explore.
For the first time in its mission, Spirit found evidence
of past water. As the rover gained altitude, more and
more signs of a wet past became apparent. From the
composition and texture of more than six different
types of rock inspected, scientists determined that this
area was once a hot, violent place with volcanic explosions and impacts. Extensive water in the form of hot
springs or other water features left its mark on debris
throughout the area. One of the rock types contained
the mineral goethite, which only forms in the presence
of water. Thus, finding it represented the first direct evidence of past water in the Columbia Hills.
struggled up toward a ridgeline on Husband Hill, they
churned up bright material. This unexpected discovery
was good fortune for Spirit: the rover determined that
the salty material had water molecules bound to the
minerals. That provided clear signs of its formation or
alteration in past water.
A View to the Future
Carrying on after its rewarding climb to the hilltop,
Spirit returned images of the southern vista from the
top of Husband Hill. The team used these views to
plot Spirit’s next leg of travel. Mission planners and
scientists selected an alluring feature in the distance
that would bring a scientific bonanza, and come to be
known as Home Plate.
1. Spirit looks past Cumberland Ridge
toward the summit of Husband Hill.
2. Spirit’s view from the top of
Husband Hill.
Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/Cornell
Weary Traveler Seeks Water
Long after completing its primary 90-day mission,
NASA’s Spirit rover began showing slight twinges of
wear in its mobility system from its roving and hillclimbing experience. As Spirit dug in its wheels as it
Investigations of the rock dubbed “Clovis” revealed the mineral
goethite, pointing to a watery past in Gusev Crater.
The Mars Exploration Rover mission is part of NASA’s Mars
Exploration Program, a long-term, multi-mission effort to understand Mars as a potential place for past or present life (its
habitability), to seek signs of life, and to prepare for human
exploration. The Jet Propulsion Laboratory, a division of the
California Institute of Technology, manages the mission on behalf of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate.
Other NASA Center partners include Ames Research Center,
Langley Research Center, Glenn Research Center, and Kennedy Space Center. Science payl
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
www.nasa.gov
The Mars Exploration Rovers: Spirit and Opportunity
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Mercury
Venus
Earth
Mars
Jupiter
Saturn
Uranus Neptune
JPL 400-1548A 12/13
packed the lander inside a heat shield and back shell
attached to a cruise stage. Upon arrival, with the
spacecraft’s velocity still increasing from the pull of
Mars’ gravity, the entry capsule jettisoned the cruise
stage. A large supersonic parachute inflated in the
thin Martian atmosphere to slow the lander. Near the
ground, solid rocket motors fired to reduce landing
speed further. Airbags inflated around the lander to
cushion the impact, and the lander bounced and rolled
to a stop on Mars. Once the airbags deflated, the
lander’s “petals” opened, revealing the rover ready to
raise its “head,” stand up, and roll off for its adventures
on Mars.
The Mars Exploration Rover Mission
Spirit and Opportunity are identical twin robotic rovers that have gone far beyond their original scientific
objectives to rewrite our understanding of the early history of Mars. NASA sent these two “robotic geologists”
on a 90-day mission to search for geological clues
regarding environmental conditions on early Mars, and
assess whether those environments were conducive to
life. The mission team chose two landing sites, Gusev
Crater and Meridiani Planum, for the likelihood that
liquid water, a prerequisite for life, was once present
there.
Each rover far outlasted its design lifetime. Spirit
launched June 10, 2003, and landed in Gusev Crater
on January 4, 2004. Opportunity launched July 7,
2003, and landed in Meridiani Planum on January 25,
2004. Opportunity continues to operate in its tenth
year. Spirit’s final communication to Earth occurred on
March 22, 2010, about six years into its mission. The
rover lasted 20 times longer than its original design.
During their journeys of exploration, Spirit and Opportunity outperformed even the most optimistic expectations of their builders. For scientists studying Mars, the
robotic rovers proved to be the next best thing to actually being there with geology tools in hand. The tenyear record of discoveries compiled during the mission
has helped scientists reconstruct a past when Mars
was awash in water, which may have created environments favorable for microbial life.
Scientific Findings
The mission took one of the first steps in understanding the possibilities for life on Mars: whether the
Martian environment ever could have supported life.
Analysis of rocks and soil in several of the locales explored by the rovers shows changes in the rock record
that could only occur from persistent soaking in water.
Spirit found soils and rocks with extremely high concentrations of materials that typically form in either hot
springs or volcanic steam vents. These conditions may
have been favorable for supporting microbial life. On
Earth, microbes known as “extremophiles” thrive in
similar environments.
Opportunity found that more chemically neutral, “drinkable” water once persisted on Mars before an acidic
period in the ancient past, thus creating more favorable
conditions for microbial life. The rovers’ discoveries
made a huge leap forward in expanding the possibility
that Mars once provided habitable conditions.
Following the trail of past water on Mars, the rovers
successfully allowed scientists to characterize much of
what the red planet was like when liquid water flowed
there.
Science Tools
Each rover carries a science payload consisting of a
Miniature Thermal Emission Spectrometer and Panoramic Camera at the top of a rotatable mast (the
rover’s “neck”) to survey the surrounding terrain. A
robotic arm helps scientists examine rocks and soils,
by using contact instruments (Alpha Particle X-Ray
Spectrometer, Mössbauer Spectrometer, and a Microscopic Imager) and a Rock Abrasion Tool. Engineering sensors and other components are also useful for
science investigations and for navigation and mobility.
These include stereo navigation cameras, front and
rear stereo hazard avoidance cameras, wheel motors,
wheel motor current and voltage data for measuring
ground properties, the wheels themselves for digging,
gyros, accelerometers for describing terrain contours,
and solar cell readings for measuring how much dust is
in the atmosphere or deposited on the rover.
Spacecraft Design
Each spacecraft contained a rover tucked inside a
lander. For the trip from Earth to Mars, engineers
The Mars Exploration Rover mission is part of NASA’s Mars
Exploration Program, a long-term, multi-mission effort to understand Mars as a potential place for past or present life (its
habitability), to seek signs of life, and to prepare for human
exploration. The Jet Propulsion Laboratory, a division of the
California Institute of Technology, manages the mission on behalf of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate.
Other NASA Center partners include Ames Research Center,
Langley Research Center, Glenn Research Center, and Kennedy Space Center. Science payload partners include Cornell
University, Arizona State University, Max Planck Institut für
Chemie, Johannes Gutenberg University, Niels Bohr Institute,
Honeybee Robotics, and the U.S. Geological Survey.
More Information
marsrovers.jpl.nasa.gov
An artist’s concept of one of the Mars
Exploration Rovers on the surface of
Mars.
Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/Cornell
www.nasa.gov
Spirit: Ascent of Husband Hill
JPL 400-1548B 12/13
1
2
The Mars Exploration Rover Mission
Spirit and Opportunity are identical twin robotic rovers that have gone far beyond their original scientific
objectives to rewrite our understanding of the early history of Mars. NASA sent these two “robotic geologists”
on a 90-day mission to search for geological clues
regarding environmental conditions on early Mars, and
assess whether those environments were conducive to
life. The mission team chose two landing sites, Gusev
Crater and Meridiani Planum, for the likelihood that
liquid water, a prerequisite for life, was once present
there.
Each rover far outlasted its design lifetime. Spirit
launched June 10, 2003, and landed in Gusev Crater on January 4, 2004. Opportunity launched July 7,
2003, and landed in Meridiani Planum on January 25,
2004. Opportunity continues to operate in its tenth
year. Spirit’s final communication to Earth occurred on
March 22, 2010, about six years into its mission. The
rover lasted 20 times longer than its original design.
Columbia Hills or Bust
When Spirit landed on a rock-strewn plain, faraway
hills beckoned from about 1.6 miles (2.6 kilometers)
away. Impossible to reach in the originally planned
90 sols (Martian days), Spirit trekked for six months
to reach them, becoming the first mountain-climbing
robot on another planet. Spirit scaled the nearest of
the seven Columbia Hills, named for each member of
the lost crew of Space Shuttle Columbia. Husband Hill,
honoring Commander Rick Husband, stands 348 feet
(106 meters) higher than the site where Spirit landed
20 months prior. The rover’s months-long trek through
different layers of hilly terrain richly rewarded us with
new discoveries, as each layer contained clues to past
environmental conditions on Mars.
Hot Springs and Violent Volcanoes
While volcanic rocks covered the plain Spirit crossed
on its way to the hill, the ascent of Husband Hill
brought a fascinating new landscape into view and
completely different geologic conditions to explore.
For the first time in its mission, Spirit found evidence
of past water. As the rover gained altitude, more and
more signs of a wet past became apparent. From the
composition and texture of more than six different
types of rock inspected, scientists determined that this
area was once a hot, violent place with volcanic explosions and impacts. Extensive water in the form of hot
springs or other water features left its mark on debris
throughout the area. One of the rock types contained
the mineral goethite, which only forms in the presence
of water. Thus, finding it represented the first direct evidence of past water in the Columbia Hills.
struggled up toward a ridgeline on Husband Hill, they
churned up bright material. This unexpected discovery
was good fortune for Spirit: the rover determined that
the salty material had water molecules bound to the
minerals. That provided clear signs of its formation or
alteration in past water.
A View to the Future
Carrying on after its rewarding climb to the hilltop,
Spirit returned images of the southern vista from the
top of Husband Hill. The team used these views to
plot Spirit’s next leg of travel. Mission planners and
scientists selected an alluring feature in the distance
that would bring a scientific bonanza, and come to be
known as Home Plate.
1. Spirit looks past Cumberland Ridge
toward the summit of Husband Hill.
2. Spirit’s view from the top of
Husband Hill.
Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/Cornell
Weary Traveler Seeks Water
Long after completing its primary 90-day mission,
NASA’s Spirit rover began showing slight twinges of
wear in its mobility system from its roving and hillclimbing experience. As Spirit dug in its wheels as it
Investigations of the rock dubbed “Clovis” revealed the mineral
goethite, pointing to a watery past in Gusev Crater.
The Mars Exploration Rover mission is part of NASA’s Mars
Exploration Program, a long-term, multi-mission effort to understand Mars as a potential place for past or present life (its
habitability), to seek signs of life, and to prepare for human
exploration. The Jet Propulsion Laboratory, a division of the
California Institute of Technology, manages the mission on behalf of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate.
Other NASA Center partners include Ames Research Center,
Langley Research Center, Glenn Research Center, and Kennedy Space Center. Science payl
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