November 2, 2024

20 Years After Landing: How NASA’s Twin Rovers Transformed Mars Science

Credit: NASA/JPL-CaltechThis month marks the 20th anniversary of Spirit and Opportunitys landing on Mars, part of an objective whose legacy will extend far into the future.In January 2004, twin NASA rovers named Spirit and Opportunity touched down on opposite sides of Mars, kicking off a new age of interplanetary robotic expedition.”Spirit & & Opportunity 20th Anniversary Poster: On the 20th anniversary of the landing of Spirit and Opportunity, celebrate NASAs Mars Exploration Rover task with this two-sided poster that notes some of the pioneering explorers accomplishments on the Red Planet. Opportunity, the very first rover to go a marathon-length distance on another world, would eventually cover nearly 30 miles (45 kilometers) in overall– the farthest distance driven on another planet.This illustration depicts some highlights along the route as NASAs Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity drove as far as a marathon race during the first 11 years and two months after its January 2004 landing in Eagle Crater.The lorry exceeded marathon distance of 26.219 miles (42.195 kilometers) with a drive completed on March 24, 2015, during the 3,968 th Martian day, or sol, of Opportunitys work on Mars.

Opportunity Views Its Own Shadow: NASAs Spirit and Opportunity Mars rovers landed on the Red Planet on Jan. 3 and 24, 2004, respectively. Credit: NASA/JPL-CaltechThis month marks the 20th anniversary of Spirit and Opportunitys landing on Mars, part of an objective whose tradition will extend far into the future.In January 2004, twin NASA rovers named Spirit and Opportunity touched down on opposite sides of Mars, kicking off a brand-new age of interplanetary robotic exploration.”Spirit & & Opportunity 20th Anniversary Poster: On the 20th anniversary of the landing of Spirit and Opportunity, celebrate NASAs Mars Exploration Rover task with this two-sided poster that lists some of the pioneering explorers achievements on the Red Planet. Opportunity, the first rover to go a marathon-length range on another world, would ultimately cover nearly 30 miles (45 kilometers) in overall– the farthest distance driven on another planet.This illustration portrays some highlights along the path as NASAs Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity drove as far as a marathon race throughout the very first 11 years and 2 months after its January 2004 landing in Eagle Crater.The lorry went beyond marathon distance of 26.219 miles (42.195 kilometers) with a drive finished on March 24, 2015, during the 3,968 th Martian day, or sol, of Opportunitys work on Mars. She got to see the excitement as the very first signal returned, verifying Opportunity had safely landed.She would go on to pursue a career as a Mars geologist, returning to JPL years later to assist lead Opportunitys science team.