NASA's long-term robotic Mars exploration program, established in the 1990s following the loss of the Mars Observer spacecraft, coordinating a sustained series of orbiters, landers and rovers to investigate the planet's potential for past or present life, its climate and geology, and to prepare for eventual human exploration. Mars Global Surveyor, launched in November 1996, was the program's first mission, and the program continues to operate current spacecraft including the Curiosity and Perseverance rovers within roughly 780-day Earth-Mars launch windows.
Facts
Mission TypeRobotic Mars exploration program 1 Launch DateDate of Mars Global Surveyor, the first mission flown under the newly designated Mars Exploration Program following the 1993 loss of Mars Observer. OutcomeOngoing; has deployed multiple successful orbiters, landers and rovers since 1996, including the currently active Curiosity and Perseverance rovers. 1 Mission Type
Mission Type (category)Robotic / Uncrewed Mission 1 Connections
Operated By
Source Wikipedia (space and spaceflight articles)
Sources
1. Wikipedia (space and spaceflight articles)
Wikimedia FoundationWikipedia: Mars Exploration Program, lead section
MEP has made use of orbital spacecraft, landers, and Mars rovers to explore the possibilities of life on Mars, as well as the planet's climate and natural resources.
- Wikipedia: Mars Exploration Program, mission list
View the Source Reader Challenges (0)
No disputes yet. Spotted an error or a better source? Open the first one.
Sign in to dispute this or suggest a correction.