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Marsokhod Russian Rover explores Kilauea, Hawaii via telepresence for Jason IV 'Island Earth' Projects (Volcano simulates Martian Terrain) ARC-1995-AC95-0054-68

Marsokhod Russian Rover explores Kilauea, Hawaii via telepresence for ...

Marsokhod Russian Rover explores Kilauea, Hawaii via telepresence for Jason IV 'Island Earth' Projects (Volcano simulates Martian Terrain)

Marsokhod Russian Rover explores Kilauea, Hawaii via telepresence for Jason IV 'Island Earth' Projects (Volcano simulates Martian Terrain) ARC-1995-AC95-0054-67

Marsokhod Russian Rover explores Kilauea, Hawaii via telepresence for ...

Marsokhod Russian Rover explores Kilauea, Hawaii via telepresence for Jason IV 'Island Earth' Projects (Volcano simulates Martian Terrain)

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at KSC, installation is under way of the Mars Orbiter Camera (MOC) on the Mars Global Surveyor spacecraft. The MOC is one of a suite of six scientific instruments that will gather data about Martian topography, mineral distribution and weather during a two-year period. The Mars Global Surveyor is slated for launch aboard a Delta II expendable launch vehicle on Nov. 6, the beginning of a 20-day launch period.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facil...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at KSC, installation is under way of the Mars Orbiter Camera (MOC) on the Mars Global Surveyor spacecraft. The MOC is one of a suite of... More

Hubble's Sharpest View of Mars. NASA public domain image colelction.

Hubble's Sharpest View of Mars. NASA public domain image colelction.

Description: (March 10, 1997) The recently refurbished Hubble telescope obtained the sharpest view of Mars ever taken from Earth. This stunning portrait was taken with March 10, 1997, just before the Red Planet... More

Rover Touchdown on Martian Surface

Rover Touchdown on Martian Surface

This picture taken by the IMP (Imager for Mars Pathfinder) aboard the Mars Pathfinder spacecraft depicts the rover Sojourner's position after driving onto the Martian surface. Sojourner has become the first aut... More

Three Classes of Martian rocks. NASA public domain image colelction.

Three Classes of Martian rocks. NASA public domain image colelction.

Three Classes of Martian rocks NASA/JPL/Johns Hopkins University Public domain photograph of a solar system, planet, space exploration, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Springtime Dust Storm Swirls at Martian North Pole

Springtime Dust Storm Swirls at Martian North Pole

Springtime Dust Storm Swirls at Martian North Pole JPL/NASA/STScI

The Mars Climate Orbiter is lifted clear of the top of its container in the Spacecraft Assembly and Encapsulation Facility-2 (SAEF-2). The Mars Climate Orbiter is heading for Mars where it will primarily support its companion Mars Polar Lander spacecraft, planned for launch on Jan. 3, 1999. After that, the Mars Climate Orbiter's instruments will monitor the Martian atmosphere and image the planet's surface on a daily basis for one Martian year (two Earth years). It will observe the appearance and movement of atmospheric dust and water vapor, as well as characterize seasonal changes on the surface. The detailed images of the surface features will provide important clues to the planet's early climate history and give scientists more information about possible liquid water reserves beneath the surface. The scheduled launch date for the Mars Climate Orbiter is Dec. 10, 1998, on a Boeing Delta II 7425 rocket KSC-98pc1080

The Mars Climate Orbiter is lifted clear of the top of its container i...

The Mars Climate Orbiter is lifted clear of the top of its container in the Spacecraft Assembly and Encapsulation Facility-2 (SAEF-2). The Mars Climate Orbiter is heading for Mars where it will primarily suppor... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Spacecraft Assembly and Encapsulation Facility-2 (SAEF-2), technicians test the science instruments and the basic spacecraft subsystems on the Mars Polar Lander. The solar-powered spacecraft is targeted for launch from Cape Canaveral Air Station aboard a Delta II rocket on Jan. 3, 1999. It is designed to touch down on the Martian surface near the northern-most boundary of the south pole in order to study the water cycle there. The lander also will help scientists learn more about climate change and current resources on Mars, studying such things as frost, dust, water vapor and condensates in the Martian atmosphere KSC-98pc1337

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Spacecraft Assembly and Encapsula...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Spacecraft Assembly and Encapsulation Facility-2 (SAEF-2), technicians test the science instruments and the basic spacecraft subsystems on the Mars Polar Lander. The solar-p... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Spacecraft Assembly and Encapsulation Facility -2 (SAEF-2), JPL workers prepare to mount a Mars microprobe onto the Mars Polar Lander. Two microprobes will hitchhike on the lander, scheduled to be launched Jan. 3, 1999, aboard a Delta II rocket. The solar-powered spacecraft is designed to touch down on the Martian surface near the northern-most boundary of the south pole in order to study the water cycle there. The lander also will help scientists learn more about climate change and current resources on Mars, studying such things as frost, dust, water vapor and condensates in the Martian atmosphere. The Mars microprobes, called Deep Space 2, are part of NASA's New Millennium Program. They will complement the climate-related scientific focus of the lander by demonstrating an advanced, rugged microlaser system for detecting subsurface water. Such data on polar subsurface water, in the form of ice, should help put limits on scientific projections for the global abundance of water on Mars KSC-98pc1647

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Spacecraft Assembly and Encapsula...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Spacecraft Assembly and Encapsulation Facility -2 (SAEF-2), JPL workers prepare to mount a Mars microprobe onto the Mars Polar Lander. Two microprobes will hitchhike on the ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Spacecraft Assembly and Encapsulation Facility -2 (SAEF-2), workers check on the fitting between the Mars Climate Orbiter (above) and the third stage of the Boeing Delta II launch vehicle (below). The third stage is a solid-propellant Thiokol Star 48B booster, the same final stage used in the 1996 launch of Mars Global Surveyor. Targeted for launch on Dec. 10, 1998, the orbiter is heading for Mars where it will primarily support its companion Mars Polar Lander spacecraft, which is planned for launch on Jan. 3, 1999. The orbiter's instruments will monitor the Martian atmosphere and image the planet's surface on a daily basis for 687 Earth days. It will observe the appearance and movement of atmospheric dust and water vapor, as well as characterize seasonal changes on the surface. The detailed images of the surface features will provide important clues to the planet's early climate history and give scientists more information about possible liquid water reserves beneath the surface KSC-98pc1736

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Spacecraft Assembly and Encapsula...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Spacecraft Assembly and Encapsulation Facility -2 (SAEF-2), workers check on the fitting between the Mars Climate Orbiter (above) and the third stage of the Boeing Delta II ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Complex 17A, Cape Canaveral Air Station, workers remove the canister surrounding the Mars Climate Orbiter. Targeted for liftoff on Dec. 10, 1998, aboard a Boeing Delta II (7425) rocket, the orbiter will be the first spacecraft to be launched in the pair of Mars '98 missions. After its arrival at the red planet, the Mars Climate Orbiter will be used primarily to support its companion Mars Polar Lander spacecraft, scheduled for launch on Jan. 3, 1999. The orbiter will then monitor the Martian atmosphere and image the planet's surface on a daily basis for one Martian year, the equivalent of about two Earth years. The spacecraft will observe the appearance and movement of atmospheric dust and water vapor, and characterize seasonal changes on the planet's surface KSC-98pc1813

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Complex 17A, Cape Canaveral Ai...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Complex 17A, Cape Canaveral Air Station, workers remove the canister surrounding the Mars Climate Orbiter. Targeted for liftoff on Dec. 10, 1998, aboard a Boeing Delta II... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Complex 17B, Cape Canaveral Air Station, the protective covering on the Mars Polar Lander is lifted up and out of the way. The lander, in the opening below, is being mated to the Boeing Delta II rocket that will launch it on Jan. 3, 1999. The lander is a solar-powered spacecraft designed to touch down on the Martian surface near the northern-most boundary of the south pole in order to study the water cycle there. The lander also will help scientists learn more about climate change and current resources on Mars, studying such things as frost, dust, water vapor and condensates in the Martian atmosphere. It is the second spacecraft to be launched in a pair of Mars Surveyor'98 missions. The first is the Mars Climate Orbiter, which was launched aboard a Delta II rocket from Launch Complex 17A on Dec. 11, 1998 KSC-98pc1889

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Complex 17B, Cape Canaveral Ai...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Complex 17B, Cape Canaveral Air Station, the protective covering on the Mars Polar Lander is lifted up and out of the way. The lander, in the opening below, is being mate... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Complex 17B, Cape Canaveral Air Station, workers begin fitting the fairing around the upper stages of the Boeing Delta II rocket and Mars Polar Lander. The rocket is scheduled to launch Jan. 3, 1999. The lander is a solar-powered spacecraft designed to touch down on the Martian surface near the northern-most boundary of the south pole in order to study the water cycle there. The lander also will help scientists learn more about climate change and current resources on Mars, studying such things as frost, dust, water vapor and condensates in the Martian atmosphere. It is the second spacecraft to be launched in a pair of Mars Surveyor '98 missions KSC-98pc1925

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Complex 17B, Cape Canaveral Ai...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Complex 17B, Cape Canaveral Air Station, workers begin fitting the fairing around the upper stages of the Boeing Delta II rocket and Mars Polar Lander. The rocket is sche... More

The Martian North Polar Cap in Summer

The Martian North Polar Cap in Summer

This is a wide angle view of the martian north polar cap as it appeared to the Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) Mars Orbiter Camera (MOC) in early northern summer. The picture was acquired on March 13, 1999, near the... More

Martian "Swiss Cheese", NASA Mars Images

Martian "Swiss Cheese", NASA Mars Images

This image is illuminated by sunlight from the upper left. Looking like pieces of sliced and broken swiss cheese, the upper layer of the martian south polar residual cap has been eroded, leaving flat-topped me... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Silhouetted against the gray sky, a Boeing Delta II expendable launch vehicle with NASA's Mars Polar Lander lifts off from Launch Complex 17B, Cape Canaveral Air Station, at 3:21:10 p.m. EST. The lander is a solar-powered spacecraft designed to touch down on the Martian surface near the northern-most boundary of the south polar cap, which consists of carbon dioxide ice. The lander will study the polar water cycle, frosts, water vapor, condensates and dust in the Martian atmosphere. It is equipped with a robotic arm to dig beneath the layered terrain at the polar cap. In addition, Deep Space 2 microprobes, developed by NASA's New Millennium Program, are installed on the lander's cruise stage. After crashing into the planet's surface, they will conduct two days of soil and water experiments up to 1 meter (3 feet) below the Martian surface, testing new technologies for future planetary descent probes. The lander is the second spacecraft to be launched in a pair of Mars Surveyor '98 missions. The first is the Mars Climate Orbiter, which was launched aboard a Delta II rocket from Launch Complex 17A on Dec. 11, 1998. KSC-99pc06

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Silhouetted against the gray sky, a Boei...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Silhouetted against the gray sky, a Boeing Delta II expendable launch vehicle with NASA's Mars Polar Lander lifts off from Launch Complex 17B, Cape Canaveral Air Station, at 3:21:1... More

Martian Temperatures Measured by the Thermal Emission Spectrometer TES. Pathfinder Landing Aite View

Martian Temperatures Measured by the Thermal Emission Spectrometer TES...

Martian Temperatures Measured by the Thermal Emission Spectrometer TES. Pathfinder Landing Aite View NASA/JPL/ASU

Martian Temperatures Measured by the Thermal Emission Spectrometer TES. Isidis Planitia View

Martian Temperatures Measured by the Thermal Emission Spectrometer TES...

Martian Temperatures Measured by the Thermal Emission Spectrometer TES. Isidis Planitia View NASA/JPL/ASU

A High-Resolution Look at the Spring Thaw of the Martian South Polar Cap

A High-Resolution Look at the Spring Thaw of the Martian South Polar C...

A High-Resolution Look at the Spring Thaw of the Martian South Polar Cap NASA/JPL/MSSS

In the Spacecraft Assembly & Encapsulation Facility -2, workers check the movement of the <a href="http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/2001/">2001 Mars Odyssey Orbiter </a> as it is carried to the workstand at right. The circular object facing forward on the spacecraft is a high-gain antenna. On the right side is the rectangular solar array assembly. The Mars Odyssey Orbiter carries three science instruments: the Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS), the Gamma Ray Spectrometer (GRS), and the Mars Radiation Environment Experiment (MARIE). THEMIS will map the mineralogy and morphology of the Martian surface using a high-resolution camera and a thermal infrared imaging spectrometer. The GRS will achieve global mapping of the elemental composition of the surface and determine the abundance of hydrogen in the shallow subsurface. [The GRS is a rebuild of the instrument lost with the Mars Observer mission.] The MARIE will characterize aspects of the near-space radiation environment as related to the radiation-related risk to human explorers. The Mars Odyssey Orbiter is scheduled for launch on April 7, 2001, aboard a Delta 7925 rocket from Launch Pad 17-A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station KSC01pp0100

In the Spacecraft Assembly & Encapsulation Facility -2, workers check ...

In the Spacecraft Assembly & Encapsulation Facility -2, workers check the movement of the http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/2001/">2001 Mars Odyssey Orbiter </a> as it is carried to the workstand at right. The circular ... More

A piece of the fairing that will cover the Mars Odyssey Orbiter during rises up the gantry at Launch Pad 17-A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The 2001 Mars Odyssey Orbiter is scheduled for launch on a Delta rocket April 7, 2001. Mars Odyssey contains three science instruments: THEMIS, the Gamma Ray Spectrometer (GRS), and the Mars Radiation Environment Experiment (MARIE). THEMIS will map the mineralogy and morphology of the Martian surface using a high-resolution camera and a thermal infrared imaging spectrometer. The GRS will achieve global mapping of the elemental composition of the surface and determine the abundance of hydrogen in the shallow subsurface. The MARIE will characterize aspects of the near-space radiation environment with regards to the radiation-related risk to human explorers KSC01pp0469

A piece of the fairing that will cover the Mars Odyssey Orbiter during...

A piece of the fairing that will cover the Mars Odyssey Orbiter during rises up the gantry at Launch Pad 17-A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The 2001 Mars Odyssey Orbiter is scheduled for launch on a Delta ... More

A worker in the Spacecraft Assembly and Encapsulation Facility (SAEF 2) checks the underside of the extended solar array panels on the 2001 Mars Odyssey Orbiter. The array will undergo illumination testing. Scheduled for launch April 7, 2001, the orbiter contains three science instruments: THEMIS, the Gamma Ray Spectrometer (GRS), and the Mars Radiation Environment Experiment (MARIE). THEMIS will map the mineralogy and morphology of the Martian surface using a high-resolution camera and a thermal infrared imaging spectrometer. The GRS will achieve global mapping of the elemental composition of the surface and determine the abundance of hydrogen in the shallow subsurface. The MARIE will characterize aspects of the near-space radiation environment with regards to the radiation-related risk to human explorers KSC-01pp0485

A worker in the Spacecraft Assembly and Encapsulation Facility (SAEF 2...

A worker in the Spacecraft Assembly and Encapsulation Facility (SAEF 2) checks the underside of the extended solar array panels on the 2001 Mars Odyssey Orbiter. The array will undergo illumination testing. Sch... More

At Launch Pad 17-A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, a worker prepares the site before attaching a camera to the second stage of the Delta II rocket for the Mars Odyssey launch. The orbiter carries three science instruments THEMIS, the Gamma Ray Spectrometer (GRS), and the Mars Radiation Environment Experiment (MARIE) that will map the mineralogy and morphology of the Martian surface. The Mars Odyssey Orbiter is scheduled for launch on April 7, 2001 KSC01pp0581

At Launch Pad 17-A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, a worker prepare...

At Launch Pad 17-A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, a worker prepares the site before attaching a camera to the second stage of the Delta II rocket for the Mars Odyssey launch. The orbiter carries three scien... More

An overhead crane lowers the cylindrical canister toward the Mars Odyssey orbiter below it. The canister will protect the spacecraft during transfer to Launch Pad 17-A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The Mars Odyssey is scheduled for launch at 11:02 a.m. EDT April 7, 2001, aboard a Delta II rocket from Pad 17-A. The spacecraft will map the Martian surface in search of geological features that could indicate the presence of water, now or in the past, and may contribute significantly toward understanding what will be necessary for a more sophisticated exploration of Mars KSC01pp0651

An overhead crane lowers the cylindrical canister toward the Mars Odys...

An overhead crane lowers the cylindrical canister toward the Mars Odyssey orbiter below it. The canister will protect the spacecraft during transfer to Launch Pad 17-A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The Mar... More

Workers on Launch Pad 17-A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, stand by as the canister surrounding the Mars Odyssey orbiter is lifted. The spacecraft will map the Martian surface in search of geological features that could indicate the presence of water, now or in the past, and may contribute significantly toward understanding what will be necessary for a more sophisticated exploration of Mars. Launch is scheduled for 11:02 a.m. EDT April 7 KSC01pp0642

Workers on Launch Pad 17-A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, stand by...

Workers on Launch Pad 17-A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, stand by as the canister surrounding the Mars Odyssey orbiter is lifted. The spacecraft will map the Martian surface in search of geological feature... More

At sunrise on Launch Pad 17-A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, workers begin attaching a crane to the top of the Mars Odyssey orbiter. The spacecraft will be lifted up the gantry and mated with the Delta II rocket. The spacecraft will map the Martian surface in search of geological features that could indicate the presence of water, now or in the past, and may contribute significantly toward understanding what will be necessary for a more sophisticated exploration of Mars. Launch is scheduled for 11:02 a.m. EDT April 7 KSC01pp0630

At sunrise on Launch Pad 17-A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, worke...

At sunrise on Launch Pad 17-A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, workers begin attaching a crane to the top of the Mars Odyssey orbiter. The spacecraft will be lifted up the gantry and mated with the Delta II r... More

At Launch Complex 17-A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, workers begin placing the Delta rocket fairing around the Mars Odyssey spacecraft. NASA’s latest explorer carries three scientific instruments to map the chemical and mineralogical makeup of Mars: a thermal-emission imaging system, a gamma ray spectrometer and a Martian radiation environment experiment. The imaging system will map the planet with high-resolution thermal images and give scientists an increased level of detail to help them understand how the mineralogy of the planet relates to the land forms. In addition, Odyssey will serve as a communications relay for U.S. and international landers arriving at Mars in 2003/2004. The Mars Odyssey is scheduled for launch April 7, 2001, at 11:02 a.m. EST KSC01pp0699

At Launch Complex 17-A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, workers begi...

At Launch Complex 17-A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, workers begin placing the Delta rocket fairing around the Mars Odyssey spacecraft. NASA’s latest explorer carries three scientific instruments to map th... More

Workers at Launch Complex 17-A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, carefully maneuver the Delta rocket fairing as it closes in on the Mars Odyssey spacecraft. NASA’s latest explorer carries three scientific instruments to map the chemical and mineralogical makeup of Mars: a thermal-emission imaging system, a gamma ray spectrometer and a Martian radiation environment experiment. The imaging system will map the planet with high-resolution thermal images and give scientists an increased level of detail to help them understand how the mineralogy of the planet relates to the land forms. In addition, Odyssey will serve as a communications relay for U.S. and international landers arriving at Mars in 2003/2004. The Mars Odyssey is scheduled for launch aboard a Delta II rocket April 7, 2001, at 11:02 a.m. EST KSC01pp0704

Workers at Launch Complex 17-A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, care...

Workers at Launch Complex 17-A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, carefully maneuver the Delta rocket fairing as it closes in on the Mars Odyssey spacecraft. NASA’s latest explorer carries three scientific inst... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers outside the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at KSC unload equipment associated with the Mars Exploration Rovers Mission. The cruise stage, aeroshell and lander for MER-2 are being delivered for processing. Set to launch in 2003, the Mars Exploration Rover Mission will consist of two identical rovers designed to cover roughly 110 yards (100 meters) each Martian day. Each rover will carry five scientific instruments that will allow it to search for evidence of liquid water that may have been present in the planet's past. The rovers will be identical to each other, but will land at different regions of Mars. The first rover has a launch window opening May 30, 2003, and the second rover a window opening June 25, 2003. KSC-03pd0200

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers outside the Payload Hazardous Ser...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers outside the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at KSC unload equipment associated with the Mars Exploration Rovers Mission. The cruise stage, aeroshell and lander for MER... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - After being cleaned up, the Mars Exploration Rover -2 is ready to be moved to a workstand in the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility. Set to launch in 2003, the Mars Exploration Rover Mission will consist of two identical rovers designed to cover roughly 110 yards (100 meters) each Martian day. Each rover will carry five scientific instruments that will allow it to search for evidence of liquid water that may have been present in the planet's past. The rovers will be identical to each other, but will land at different regions of Mars. The first rover has a launch window opening May 30, 2003, and the second rover a window opening June 25, 2003. KSC-03pd0211

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - After being cleaned up, the Mars Explorat...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - After being cleaned up, the Mars Exploration Rover -2 is ready to be moved to a workstand in the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility. Set to launch in 2003, the Mars Exploration Ro... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. - In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, workers position the lifting fixture over the Rover Equipment Deck (RED), a component of one of the Mars Exploration Rovers (MER), before moving it. Processing of the rovers, plus cruise stage, lander and heat shield elements, is ongoing. Set to launch in 2003, the MER Mission will consist of two identical rovers designed to cover roughly 110 yards each Martian day. Each rover will carry five scientific instruments that will allow it to search for evidence of liquid water that may have been present in the planet's past. The rovers will be identical to each other, but will land at different regions of Mars. The first rover has a launch window opening May 30, and the second rover a window opening June 25, 2003. KSC-03pd0755

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. - In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facil...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. - In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, workers position the lifting fixture over the Rover Equipment Deck (RED), a component of one of the Mars Exploration Rovers (MER), bef... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. - Workers in the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility look at the Mars Exploration Rover-2 (MER-2) with its solar arrays fully open. On top can be seen the low-gain and high-gain antennas. Set to launch in Spring 2003, the MER Mission will consist of two identical rovers designed to cover roughly 110 yards each Martian day. Each rover will carry five scientific instruments that will allow it to search for evidence of liquid water that may have been present in the planet's past. The rovers will be identical to each other, but will land at different regions of Mars. The first rover has a launch window opening May 30, and the second rover a window opening June 25, 2003. KSC-03pd0773

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. - Workers in the Payload Hazardous Servicin...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. - Workers in the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility look at the Mars Exploration Rover-2 (MER-2) with its solar arrays fully open. On top can be seen the low-gain and high-gain ant... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. - In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, workers watch as the Mars Exploration Rover-2 (MER-2) rolls over ramps to test its mobility and maneuverability. Set to launch in Spring 2003, the MER Mission will consist of two identical rovers designed to cover roughly 110 yards each Martian day over various terrain. Each rover will carry five scientific instruments that will allow it to search for evidence of liquid water that may have been present in the planet's past. The rovers will be identical to each other, but will land at different regions of Mars. The first rover has a launch window opening May 30, and the second rover a window opening June 25. KSC-03pd0794

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. - In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facil...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. - In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, workers watch as the Mars Exploration Rover-2 (MER-2) rolls over ramps to test its mobility and maneuverability. Set to launch in Spri... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, a worker examines one of the solar panels on the Mars Exploration Rover 2 (MER-2) before flight stow. Set to launch in Spring 2003, the MER Mission will consist of two identical rovers designed to cover roughly 110 yards each Martian day over various terrain. The rovers will be identical to each other, but will land at different regions of Mars. Each rover will carry five scientific instruments that will allow it to search for evidence of liquid water that may have been present in the planet's past. The first rover has a launch window opening May 30, and the second rover a window opening June 25. KSC-03pd0907

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facil...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, a worker examines one of the solar panels on the Mars Exploration Rover 2 (MER-2) before flight stow. Set to launch in Spring 2003, the... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, workers check the solar panels on the Mars Exploration Rover 2 (MER-2) before flight stow. Set to launch in Spring 2003, the MER Mission will consist of two identical rovers designed to cover roughly 110 yards each Martian day over various terrain. The rovers will be identical to each other, but will land at different regions of Mars. Each rover will carry five scientific instruments that will allow it to search for evidence of liquid water that may have been present in the planet's past. The first rover has a launch window opening May 30, and the second rover a window opening June 25. KSC-03pd0908

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facil...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, workers check the solar panels on the Mars Exploration Rover 2 (MER-2) before flight stow. Set to launch in Spring 2003, the MER Missio... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The cruise stage for one of the Mars Exploration Rovers is rotated for processing. Once functional testing and mission simulation of the flight elements is complete, the elements will be integrated for flight. There are two rovers, identical to each other, and each will land at different regions of Mars. They are designed to cover roughly 110 yards each Martian day over various terrain. Each rover will carry five scientific instruments that will allow it to search for evidence of liquid water that may have been present in the planet's past. The first rover has a launch window opening May 30, and the second rover a window opening June 25. KSC-03pd0941

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The cruise stage for one of the Mars Exp...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The cruise stage for one of the Mars Exploration Rovers is rotated for processing. Once functional testing and mission simulation of the flight elements is complete, the elements ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers in the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility examine the Mars Exploration Rover 2 (MER-2) as it is lowered onto the base petal of the lander. Set to launch in Spring 2003, the MER Mission consists of two identical rovers. Landing at different regions of Mars, they are designed to cover roughly 110 yards each Martian day over various terrain. Each rover will carry five scientific instruments that will allow it to search for evidence of liquid water that may have been present in the planet's past. The first rover has a launch window opening May 30, and the second rover a window opening June 25. KSC-03pd0986

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers in the Payload Hazardous Servici...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers in the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility examine the Mars Exploration Rover 2 (MER-2) as it is lowered onto the base petal of the lander. Set to launch in Spring 2003, ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers in the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility watch as the Mars Exploration Rover 2 (MER-2) is lowered onto the base petal of the lander. Set to launch in Spring 2003, the MER Mission consists of two identical rovers. Landing at different regions of Mars, they are designed to cover roughly 110 yards each Martian day over various terrain. Each rover will carry five scientific instruments that will allow it to search for evidence of liquid water that may have been present in the planet's past. The first rover has a launch window opening May 30, and the second rover a window opening June 25. KSC-03pd0985

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers in the Payload Hazardous Servici...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers in the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility watch as the Mars Exploration Rover 2 (MER-2) is lowered onto the base petal of the lander. Set to launch in Spring 2003, the M... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The first stage of the Delta II rocket to launch the MER-A (Mars Exploration Rover) vehicle is in place for a vertical lift up the launch tower on Pad 17-A on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The MER Mission consists of two identical rovers designed to cover roughly 110 yards each Martian day over various terrain. Each rover will carry five scientific instruments that will allow it to search for evidence of liquid water that may have been present in the planet's past. Identical to each other, the rovers will land at different regions of Mars. Launch date for this first of NASA's two Mars Exploration Rover missions is scheduled no earlier than June 6. KSC-03pd1210

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The first stage of the Delta II rocket to...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The first stage of the Delta II rocket to launch the MER-A (Mars Exploration Rover) vehicle is in place for a vertical lift up the launch tower on Pad 17-A on Cape Canaveral Air For... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Kevin Burke, with the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif., checks the closure of the lander petals and rover egress hardware around the Mars Exploration Rover 2 (MER-A). The lander and rover will subsequently be enclosed within an aeroshell for launch. The MER Mission consists of two identical rovers designed to cover roughly 110 yards each Martian day over various terrain. Each rover will carry five scientific instruments that will allow it to search for evidence of liquid water that may have been present in the planet's past. Identical to each other, the rovers will land at different regions of Mars. Launch date for this first of NASA's two Mars Exploration Rover missions is scheduled no earlier than June 6. KSC-03pd1226

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Kevin Burke, with the Jet Propulsion Labo...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Kevin Burke, with the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif., checks the closure of the lander petals and rover egress hardware around the Mars Exploration Rover 2 (MER-A). Th... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The aeroshell enclosing Mars Exploration Rover 2 and lander rests on a stand in the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility. The aeroshell will undergo a spin stabilization test. There are two identical rovers that will land at different regions of Mars and are designed to cover roughly 110 yards each Martian day over various terrain. Each rover will carry five scientific instruments that will allow it to search for evidence of liquid water that may have been present in the planet’s past. The first rover, MER-A, is scheduled to launch June 5 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The second is scheduled for launch June 25. KSC-03pd1371

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The aeroshell enclosing Mars Exploration...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The aeroshell enclosing Mars Exploration Rover 2 and lander rests on a stand in the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility. The aeroshell will undergo a spin stabilization test. Th... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At Launch Complex 17-A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the first half of the fairing for the Mars Exploration Rover 2 (MER-2/MER-A) is moved inside the launch tower. The fairing will be installed around the payload for protection during launch. The MER Mission consists of two identical rovers designed to cover roughly 110 yards each Martian day over various terrain. Each rover will carry five scientific instruments that will allow it to search for evidence of liquid water that may have been present in the planet's past. Identical to each other, the rovers will land at different regions of Mars. Launch date for MER-A is scheduled for June 5..

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At Launch Complex 17-A, Cape Canaveral Ai...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At Launch Complex 17-A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the first half of the fairing for the Mars Exploration Rover 2 (MER-2/MER-A) is moved inside the launch tower. The fairing... More

Martian Dust Devil Tracks, NASA Mars Images

Martian Dust Devil Tracks, NASA Mars Images

Martian Dust Devil Tracks NASA/JPL/Malin Space Science Systems

Small Martian Mesa, NASA Mars Images

Small Martian Mesa, NASA Mars Images

Small Martian Mesa NASA/JPL/Malin Space Science Systems Public domain photograph of planet Mars surface, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Martian Moon Eclipses Sun, in Stages

Martian Moon Eclipses Sun, in Stages

This panel illustrates the transit of the martian moon Phobos across the Sun. It is made up of images taken by NASA Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity. NASA/JPL/Cornell

Martian Streaker, NASA Mars Images

Martian Streaker, NASA Mars Images

Martian Streaker NASA/JPL/Malin Space Science Systems Public domain photograph of micro organism, microscopy, biology, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Spirit Begins Third Martian Year

Spirit Begins Third Martian Year

Spirit Begins Third Martian Year NASA/JPL-Caltech Public domain photograph of a solar system, planet, space exploration, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Martian Surface Beneath Phoenix - NASA Mars images

Martian Surface Beneath Phoenix - NASA Mars images

Martian Surface Beneath Phoenix NASA/JPL-Caltech/University of Arizona/Max Planck Institute

Martian Surface as Seen by Phoenix

Martian Surface as Seen by Phoenix

This anaglyph, acquired by NASA Phoenix Lander on Jun. 26, 2008, shows a stereoscopic 3D view of the Martian surface near the lander. 3D glasses are necessary to view this image. NASA/JPL-Caltech/University of ... More

Martian Sunrise at Phoenix Landing Site, Sol 101

Martian Sunrise at Phoenix Landing Site, Sol 101

This frame from a sequence of nine images taken by the Surface Stereo Imager on NASA Phoenix Mars Lander shows the sun rising on the morning of the lander 101st Martian day after landing. NASA/JPL-Caltech/Unive... More

Microscope Image of a Martian Soil Surface Sample

Microscope Image of a Martian Soil Surface Sample

Microscope Image of a Martian Soil Surface Sample NASA/JPL-Caltech/University of Arizona/Imperial College London

Rover Wheel Churns Up Bright Martian Soil Vertical

Rover Wheel Churns Up Bright Martian Soil Vertical

Rover Wheel Churns Up Bright Martian Soil Vertical NASA/JPL-Caltech/Cornell

Sample from Deep in Martian Crust: Marquette Island

Sample from Deep in Martian Crust: Marquette Island

Perched on a rippled Martian plain, a dark rock not much bigger than a basketball was the target of interest for NASA Opportunity during the past two months; Opportunity rock abrasion tool brushed dust out of t... More

Martian Pit Feature Found by Seventh Graders

Martian Pit Feature Found by Seventh Graders

This image captured by NASA Mars Odyssey orbiter shows a Martian pit feature on the slope of an equatorial volcano named Pavonis Mons, appears to be a skylight in an underground lava tube. NASA/JPL-Caltech/ASU

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – David Blake, NASA principal investigator for the Chemistry and Mineralogy (CheMin) investigation by the Curiosity rover, explains the experiment to the media in NASA Kennedy Space Center's Press Site auditorium in Florida during prelaunch activities for the agency’s Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) launch. CheMin is designed to analyze powdered rock and soil samples by identifying and quantifying their mineral content using X-ray diffraction, a first for a mission to Mars. The car-sized Martian rover, Curiosity, has 10 science instruments designed to search for signs of life, including methane, and help determine if the gas is from a biological or geological source. Liftoff of MSL aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex-41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station is planned during a launch window which extends from 10:02 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. EST on Nov. 26. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/msl. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2011-7942

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – David Blake, NASA principal investigator for th...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – David Blake, NASA principal investigator for the Chemistry and Mineralogy (CheMin) investigation by the Curiosity rover, explains the experiment to the media in NASA Kennedy Space Center'... More

Martian Treasure Map - NASA Mars images

Martian Treasure Map - NASA Mars images

This image shows the landing site of NASA Curiosity rover and destinations scientists want to investigate. Curiosity landed inside Gale Crater on Mars on Aug. 5 PDT Aug. 6 EDT at the green dot, within the Yello... More

Scanning Martian Atmospheric Temperatures Graphic

Scanning Martian Atmospheric Temperatures Graphic

This graphic depicts the Mars Climate Sounder instrument on NASA Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter measuring the temperature of a cross section of the Martian atmosphere as the orbiter passes above the south polar re... More

Creating a Returnable Cache of Martian Samples

Creating a Returnable Cache of Martian Samples

This picture shows one prototype for hardware to cache samples of cores drilled from Martian rocks for possible future return to Earth; a major objective for NASA Mars 2020 rover. NASA/JPL-Caltech

Warm-Season Flows on Martian Slope

Warm-Season Flows on Martian Slope

Dark, seasonal flows emanate from bedrock exposures at Palikir Crater on Mars in this image from the HiRISE camera on NASA Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. These dark, warm-season flows are called recurring slope l... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – College students prepare their robot for NASA’s Robotics Mining Competition at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. More than 35 teams from around the U.S. have designed and built remote-controlled robots for the mining competition. The competition is a NASA Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate project designed to engage and retain students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM, fields by expanding opportunities for student research and design. Teams use their remote-controlled robotics to maneuver and dig in a supersized sandbox filled with a crushed material that has characteristics similar to Martian soil. The objective of the challenge is to see which team’s robot can collect and move the most regolith within a specified amount of time. For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/nasarmc. Photo credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky KSC-2014-2605

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – College students prepare their robot for NASA’s...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – College students prepare their robot for NASA’s Robotics Mining Competition at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. More than 35 teams from around the U.S. have designed a... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Kimberly Land, event emcee from NASA's Ames Research Center in Moffett Field, California, speaks during the opening ceremony of NASA’s 2014 Robotics Mining Competition at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. More than 35 teams from around the U.S. have designed and built remote-controlled robots for the mining competition. The competition is a NASA Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate project designed to engage and retain students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM, fields by expanding opportunities for student research and design. Teams use their remote-controlled robotics to maneuver and dig in a supersized sandbox filled with a crushed material that has characteristics similar to Martian soil. The objective of the challenge is to see which team’s robot can collect and move the most regolith within a specified amount of time. For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/nasarmc. Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin KSC-2014-2632

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Kimberly Land, event emcee from NASA's Ames Res...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Kimberly Land, event emcee from NASA's Ames Research Center in Moffett Field, California, speaks during the opening ceremony of NASA’s 2014 Robotics Mining Competition at the Kennedy Spac... More

Activity in Martian Gully - NASA Mars images

Activity in Martian Gully - NASA Mars images

This image from NASA Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter covers a location that has been imaged several times to look for changes in gullies. NASA/JPL-Caltech/Univ. of Arizona

Ares 3 and The Martian. NASA public domain image colelction.

Ares 3 and The Martian. NASA public domain image colelction.

This image from NASA Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter shows a region of Acidalia Planitia which is covered by dense fields of boulders up to several meters high. In "The Martian" by Andy Weir (watch for the movie i... More

Curiosity Rover View of Alluring Martian Geology Ahead

Curiosity Rover View of Alluring Martian Geology Ahead

A southward-looking panorama combining images from both cameras of the Mast Camera Mastcam instrument on NASA Curiosity Mars Rover shows diverse geological textures on Mount Sharp. A southward-looking panorama... More

Outflow Stream from Relatively Recent Martian Lake

Outflow Stream from Relatively Recent Martian Lake

Streamlined forms and channel bars in this Martian valley resulted from the outflow of a lake hundreds of millions years more recently than an era of Martian lakes previously confirmed, according to 2016 findin... More

Martian 'Spiders' in Sharper Look, Thanks to Volunteers

Martian 'Spiders' in Sharper Look, Thanks to Volunteers

This image shows spidery channels eroded into Martian ground. It is an example from high-resolution observation of more than 20 places that were chosen in 2016 on the basis of about 10,000 volunteers' examinati... More

Ejected Shroud on the Martian Surface

Ejected Shroud on the Martian Surface

Ejected Shroud on the Martian Surface NASA/JPL Public domain photograph of a solar system, planet, space exploration, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

The Mars Climate Orbiter spacecraft arrives at KSC's Shuttle Landing Facility aboard an Air Force C-17 cargo plane early this morning following its flight from the Lockheed Martin Astronautics plant in Denver, Colo. When the spacecraft arrives at the red planet, it will primarily support its companion Mars Polar Lander spacecraft, planned for launch on Jan. 3, 1999. After that, the Mars Climate Orbiter's instruments will monitor the Martian atmosphere and image the planet's surface on a daily basis for one Martian year (1.8 Earth years). It will observe the appearance and movement of atmospheric dust and water vapor, as well as characterize seasonal changes on the surface. The detailed images of the surface features will provide important clues to the planet's early climate history and give scientists more information about possible liquid water reserves beneath the surface. The scheduled launch date for the Mars Climate Orbiter is Dec. 10, 1998, on a Delta II 7425 rocket KSC-98pc1046

The Mars Climate Orbiter spacecraft arrives at KSC's Shuttle Landing F...

The Mars Climate Orbiter spacecraft arrives at KSC's Shuttle Landing Facility aboard an Air Force C-17 cargo plane early this morning following its flight from the Lockheed Martin Astronautics plant in Denver, ... More

Technicians in the Spacecraft Assembly and Encapsulation Facility-2 (SAEF-2) prepare a lifting device they will use to remove the Mars Climate Orbiter from its container (behind the workers). The Mars Climate Orbiter is heading for Mars where it will primarily support its companion Mars Polar Lander spacecraft, planned for launch on Jan. 3, 1999. After that, the Mars Climate Orbiter's instruments will monitor the Martian atmosphere and image the planet's surface on a daily basis for one Martian year (two Earth years). It will observe the appearance and movement of atmospheric dust and water vapor, as well as characterize seasonal changes on the surface. The detailed images of the surface features will provide important clues to the planet's early climate history and give scientists more information about possible liquid water reserves beneath the surface. The scheduled launch date for the Mars Climate Orbiter is Dec. 10, 1998, on a Boeing Delta II 7425 rocket KSC-98pc1078

Technicians in the Spacecraft Assembly and Encapsulation Facility-2 (S...

Technicians in the Spacecraft Assembly and Encapsulation Facility-2 (SAEF-2) prepare a lifting device they will use to remove the Mars Climate Orbiter from its container (behind the workers). The Mars Climate O... More

Technicians check the connections on the workstand holding the Mars Climate Orbiter in the Spacecraft Assembly and Encapsulation Facility-2 (SAEF-2). The Mars Climate Orbiter is heading for Mars where it will primarily support its companion Mars Polar Lander spacecraft, planned for launch on Jan. 3, 1999. After that, the Mars Climate Orbiter's instruments will monitor the Martian atmosphere and image the planet's surface on a daily basis for one Martian year (two Earth years). It will observe the appearance and movement of atmospheric dust and water vapor, as well as characterize seasonal changes on the surface. The detailed images of the surface features will provide important clues to the planet's early climate history and give scientists more information about possible liquid water reserves beneath the surface. The scheduled launch date for the Mars Climate Orbiter is Dec. 10, 1998, on a Boeing Delta II 7425 rocket KSC-98pc1085

Technicians check the connections on the workstand holding the Mars Cl...

Technicians check the connections on the workstand holding the Mars Climate Orbiter in the Spacecraft Assembly and Encapsulation Facility-2 (SAEF-2). The Mars Climate Orbiter is heading for Mars where it will p... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Spacecraft Assembly and Encapsulation Facility-2 (SAEF-2), the Mars Polar Lander spacecraft is on display for the media, showing an almost fully installed set of components for its launch planned for Jan. 3, 1999. The solar-powered spacecraft is designed to touch down on the Martian surface near the northern-most boundary of the south pole in order to study the water cycle there. The lander also will help scientists learn more about climate change and current resources on Mars, studying such things as frost, dust, water vapor and condensates in the Martian atmosphere KSC-98pc1353

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Spacecraft Assembly and Encapsula...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Spacecraft Assembly and Encapsulation Facility-2 (SAEF-2), the Mars Polar Lander spacecraft is on display for the media, showing an almost fully installed set of components ... More

At pad 17A, Cape Canaveral Air Station, the second stage of a Delta II rocket is lifted up the gantry . The rocket is scheduled to be launched on Dec. 10, 1998, heading for Mars and carrying the Mars Climate Orbiter. The orbiter's instruments will monitor the Martian atmosphere and image the planet's surface on a daily basis for 657 days. It will observe the appearance and movement of atmospheric dust and water vapor, as well as characterize seasonal changes on the surface. The detailed images of the surface features will provide important clues to the planet's early climate history and give scientists more information about possible liquid water reserves beneath the surface. The orbiter will primarily support its companion Mars Polar Lander spacecraft, which is planned for launch on Jan. 3, 1999 KSC-98pc1655

At pad 17A, Cape Canaveral Air Station, the second stage of a Delta II...

At pad 17A, Cape Canaveral Air Station, the second stage of a Delta II rocket is lifted up the gantry . The rocket is scheduled to be launched on Dec. 10, 1998, heading for Mars and carrying the Mars Climate Or... More

The second stage of a Delta II rocket is prepared for its shift to vertical alongside the gantry at pad 17A at Cape Canaveral Air Station. The rocket is scheduled to be launched on Dec. 10, 1998, heading for Mars and carrying the Mars Climate Orbiter. The orbiter's instruments will monitor the Martian atmosphere and image the planet's surface on a daily basis for 657 days. It will observe the appearance and movement of atmospheric dust and water vapor, as well as characterize seasonal changes on the surface. The detailed images of the surface features will provide important clues to the planet's early climate history and give scientists more information about possible liquid water reserves beneath the surface. The orbiter will primarily support its companion Mars Polar Lander spacecraft, which is planned for launch on Jan. 3, 1999 KSC-98pc1653

The second stage of a Delta II rocket is prepared for its shift to ver...

The second stage of a Delta II rocket is prepared for its shift to vertical alongside the gantry at pad 17A at Cape Canaveral Air Station. The rocket is scheduled to be launched on Dec. 10, 1998, heading for Ma... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Pad 17B, Cape Canaveral Air Station, the fairing for the upper stages of the Delta II rocket carrying the Mars Polar Lander is lowered toward the rocket waiting below. The lander, which will be launched on Jan. 3, 1999, is a solar-powered spacecraft designed to touch down on the Martian surface near the northern-most boundary of the south pole in order to study the water cycle there. The lander also will help scientists learn more about climate change and current resources on Mars, studying such things as frost, dust, water vapor and condensates in the Martian atmosphere. It is the second spacecraft to be launched in a pair of Mars '98 missions. The first is the Mars Climate Orbiter, to be launched aboard a Delta II rocket from Launch Complex 17A in December 1998 KSC-98pc1833

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Pad 17B, Cape Canaveral Air Station, ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Pad 17B, Cape Canaveral Air Station, the fairing for the upper stages of the Delta II rocket carrying the Mars Polar Lander is lowered toward the rocket waiting below. The lande... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Inside the gantry on Pad 17B, Cape Canaveral Air Station, the fairing for the upper stages of the Delta II rocket carrying the Mars Polar Lander waits to be lowered into the white room. The rocket will be used to launch the Mars Polar Lander on Jan. 3, 1999. The lander is a solar-powered spacecraft designed to touch down on the Martian surface near the northern-most boundary of the south pole in order to study the water cycle there. The lander also will help scientists learn more about climate change and current resources on Mars, studying such things as frost, dust, water vapor and condensates in the Martian atmosphere. It is the second spacecraft to be launched in a pair of Mars '98 missions. The first is the Mars Climate Orbiter, to be launched aboard a Delta II rocket from Launch Complex 17A in December 1998 KSC-98pc1831

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Inside the gantry on Pad 17B, Cape Canav...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Inside the gantry on Pad 17B, Cape Canaveral Air Station, the fairing for the upper stages of the Delta II rocket carrying the Mars Polar Lander waits to be lowered into the white ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Wrapped in a protective covering, the Mars Climate Orbiter with its upper stage booster is lifted up at Launch Complex 17, Pad A, Cape Canaveral Air Station, in preparation for mating to the second stage of a Boeing Delta II (7425) rocket. Targeted for liftoff on Dec. 10, 1998, the orbiter will be the first spacecraft to be launched in the pair of Mars ’98 missions. After its arrival at the red planet, the Mars Climate Orbiter will be used primarily to support its companion Mars Polar Lander spacecraft, scheduled for launch on Jan. 3, 1999. The orbiter will then monitor the Martian atmosphere and image the planet’s surface on a daily basis for one Martian year, the equivalent of about two Earth years. The spacecraft will observe the appearance and movement of atmospheric dust and water vapor, and characterize seasonal changes on the planet’s surface KSC-98pc1765

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Wrapped in a protective covering, the Ma...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Wrapped in a protective covering, the Mars Climate Orbiter with its upper stage booster is lifted up at Launch Complex 17, Pad A, Cape Canaveral Air Station, in preparation for mat... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Mars Polar Lander is suspended from a crane in the Spacecraft Assembly and Encapsulation Facility-2 (SAEF-2) before being lowered to a workstand. There it will be mated to the third stage of the Boeing Delta II rocket before it is transported to Launch Pad 17B, Cape Canaveral Air Station. The lander, which will be launched on Jan. 3, 1999, is a solar-powered spacecraft designed to touch down on the Martian surface near the northern-most boundary of the south pole in order to study the water cycle there. The lander also will help scientists learn more about climate change and current resources on Mars, studying such things as frost, dust, water vapor and condensates in the Martian atmosphere. It is the second spacecraft to be launched in a pair of Mars '98 missions. The first is the Mars Climate Orbiter, which was launched aboard a Delta II rocket from Launch Complex 17A on Dec. 11, 1998 KSC-98pc1884

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Mars Polar Lander is suspended from ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Mars Polar Lander is suspended from a crane in the Spacecraft Assembly and Encapsulation Facility-2 (SAEF-2) before being lowered to a workstand. There it will be mated to the ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Complex 17B, Cape Canaveral Air Station, workers look over the Mars Polar Lander (top) atop the Boeing Delta II rocket as it sits ready for the fairing to be attached. The rocket is scheduled to launch Jan. 3, 1999. The lander is a solar-powered spacecraft designed to touch down on the Martian surface near the northern-most boundary of the south pole in order to study the water cycle there. The lander also will help scientists learn more about climate change and current resources on Mars, studying such things as frost, dust, water vapor and condensates in the Martian atmosphere. It is the second spacecraft to be launched in a pair of Mars Surveyor '98 missions KSC-98pc1924

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Complex 17B, Cape Canaveral Ai...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Complex 17B, Cape Canaveral Air Station, workers look over the Mars Polar Lander (top) atop the Boeing Delta II rocket as it sits ready for the fairing to be attached. Th... More

Recent Movements: New Landslides in Less than 1 Martian Year

Recent Movements: New Landslides in Less than 1 Martian Year

The anaglyph is helpful to see that the dark streaks really do occur on a slope in this image taken by NASA Mars Global Surveyor 1999. 3D glasses are necessary to view this image. NASA/JPL/MSSS

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The newly added Robot Scouts exhibit at the KSC Visitor Complex is situated next to the Rocket Garden. Part of the $13 million expansion to the Visitor Complex, the exhibit helps describe for visitors the accomplishments of unsung space heroes space probes and their role in space exploration. It also includes a display of how data from robotic probes might be used to build a human habitat for Mars. Visitors can witness a simulated Martian sunset. Other additions include a new foyer, films, and an International Space Station-themed ticket plaza, featuring a structure of overhanging solar panels and astronauts performing assembly tasks. The KSC Visitor Complex was inaugurated three decades ago and is now one of the top five tourist attractions in Florida. It is located on S.R. 407, east of I-95, within the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge KSC-99pp0407

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The newly added Robot Scouts exhibit at ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The newly added Robot Scouts exhibit at the KSC Visitor Complex is situated next to the Rocket Garden. Part of the $13 million expansion to the Visitor Complex, the exhibit helps d... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Part of the Robot Scouts exhibit in the $13 million expansion to KSC's Visitor Complex, this display offers a view of how data from robotic probes might be used to build a human habitat for Mars. Visitors witness a simulated Martian sunset. Other new additions include and information center, a walk-through Robot Scouts exhibit, a wildlife exhibit, and the film Quest for Life in a new 300-seat theater, plus an International Space Station-themed ticket plaza, featuring a structure of overhanging solar panels and astronauts performing assembly tasks. The KSC Visitor Complex was inaugurated three decades ago and is now one of the top five tourist attractions in Florida. It is located on S.R. 407, east of I-95, within the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge KSC-99pp0401

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Part of the Robot Scouts exhibit in the ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Part of the Robot Scouts exhibit in the $13 million expansion to KSC's Visitor Complex, this display offers a view of how data from robotic probes might be used to build a human ha... More

The Mysterious Martian Mountains of Mitchel

The Mysterious Martian Mountains of Mitchel

The Mysterious Martian Mountains of Mitchel NASA/JPL/MSSS Public domain photograph of planet Mars surface, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Technicians guide The Gamma Ray Spectrometer (GRS); into place to be installed on the Mars Odyssey Orbiter in the Spacecraft Assembly and Encapsulation Facility 2 (SAEF 2).; The orbiter will carry three science instruments: the Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS), the Gamma Ray Spectrometer (GRS), and the Mars Radiation Environment Experiment (MARIE). THEMIS will map the mineralogy and morphology of the Martian surface using a high-resolution camera and a thermal infrared imaging spectrometer. The GRS will achieve global mapping of the elemental composition of the surface and determine the abundance of hydrogen in the shallow subsurface. [The GRS is a rebuild of the instrument lost with the Mars Observer mission.] The MARIE will characterize aspects of the near-space radiation environment with regards to the radiation-related risk to human explorers. The Mars Odyssey Orbiter is scheduled for launch on April 7, 2001, aboard a Delta 7925 rocket from Launch Pad 17-A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station KSC01pp0193

Technicians guide The Gamma Ray Spectrometer (GRS); into place to be i...

Technicians guide The Gamma Ray Spectrometer (GRS); into place to be installed on the Mars Odyssey Orbiter in the Spacecraft Assembly and Encapsulation Facility 2 (SAEF 2).; The orbiter will carry three science... More

At a work bench in the Spacecraft Assembly and Encapsulation Facility 2, workers test the Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS) before attaching to the 2001 Mars Odyssey Orbiter. THEMIS will map the mineralogy and morphology of the Martian surface using a high-resolution camera and a thermal infrared imaging spectrometer. The orbiter will carry three science instruments: THEMIS, the Gamma Ray Spectrometer (GRS), and the Mars Radiation Environment Experiment (MARIE). The GRS will achieve global mapping of the elemental composition of the surface and determine the abundance of hydrogen in the shallow subsurface. The MARIE will characterize aspects of the near-space radiation environment with regards to the radiation-related risk to human explorers. The Mars Odyssey Orbiter is scheduled for launch on April 7, 2001, aboard a Delta 7925 rocket from Launch Pad 17-A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station KSC01pp0259

At a work bench in the Spacecraft Assembly and Encapsulation Facility ...

At a work bench in the Spacecraft Assembly and Encapsulation Facility 2, workers test the Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS) before attaching to the 2001 Mars Odyssey Orbiter. THEMIS will map the mineralo... More

The 2001 Mars Odyssey Orbiter is lowered onto the spin table in the Space Assembly and Encapsulation Building 2. There it will undergo testing. The orbiter carries three science instruments THEMIS, the Gamma Ray Spectrometer (GRS), and the Mars Radiation Environment Experiment (MARIE) that will map the mineralogy and morphology of the Martian surface, the elemental composition of the surface and determine the abundance of hydrogen in the shallow subsurface, and characterize aspects of the near-space radiation environment with regards to the radiation-related risk to human explorers. The Mars Odyssey Orbiter is scheduled for launch on April 7, 2001, aboard a Delta II rocket from Launch Pad 17-A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station KSC01pp0577

The 2001 Mars Odyssey Orbiter is lowered onto the spin table in the Sp...

The 2001 Mars Odyssey Orbiter is lowered onto the spin table in the Space Assembly and Encapsulation Building 2. There it will undergo testing. The orbiter carries three science instruments THEMIS, the Gamma Ra... More

Workers on Launch Pad 17-A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, watch as the canister surrounding the Mars Odyssey orbiter is lifted. The spacecraft will map the Martian surface in search of geological features that could indicate the presence of water, now or in the past, and may contribute significantly toward understanding what will be necessary for a more sophisticated exploration of Mars. Launch is scheduled for 11:02 a.m. EDT April 7 KSC01pp0641

Workers on Launch Pad 17-A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, watch as...

Workers on Launch Pad 17-A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, watch as the canister surrounding the Mars Odyssey orbiter is lifted. The spacecraft will map the Martian surface in search of geological features t... More

Amid billows of smoke and steam the Boeing Delta II rocket carrying the 2001 Mars Odyssey spacecraft blasts into the clear blue sky from Launch Complex 17-A at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Liftoff occurred at 11:02 a.m. EDT. The launch sends the Mars Odyssey on an approximate 7-month journey to orbit the planet Mars. The spacecraft, built by Lockheed Martin Space Systems for the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, will map the Martian surface looking for geological features that could indicate the presence of water, now or in the past. Science gathered by three science instruments on board will be key to future missions to Mars, including orbital reconnaissance, lander and human missions KSC01padig184

Amid billows of smoke and steam the Boeing Delta II rocket carrying th...

Amid billows of smoke and steam the Boeing Delta II rocket carrying the 2001 Mars Odyssey spacecraft blasts into the clear blue sky from Launch Complex 17-A at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Liftoff occurred... More

Springtime on the Martian South Polar Cap

Springtime on the Martian South Polar Cap

Springtime on the Martian South Polar Cap NASA/JPL/MSSS

Surface Composition Differences in Martian Canyon

Surface Composition Differences in Martian Canyon

Color differences in this daytime infrared image taken by the camera on NASA Mars Odyssey spacecraft represent differences in the mineral composition of the rocks, sediments and dust on the surface. NASA/JPL/Ar... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Containers inside the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at KSC contain elements associated with the Mars Exploration Rovers Mission. The cruise stage, aeroshell and lander for MER-2 have been delivered for processing. Set to launch in 2003, the Mars Exploration Rover Mission will consist of two identical rovers designed to cover roughly 110 yards (100 meters) each Martian day. Each rover will carry five scientific instruments that will allow it to search for evidence of liquid water that may have been present in the planet's past. The rovers will be identical to each other, but will land at different regions of Mars. The first rover has a launch window opening May 30, 2003, and the second rover a window opening June 25, 2003. KSC-03pd0202

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Containers inside the Payload Hazardous S...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Containers inside the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at KSC contain elements associated with the Mars Exploration Rovers Mission. The cruise stage, aeroshell and lander for M... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, workers get ready to remove the plastic covering from the Mars Exploration Rover -2. Set to launch in 2003, the Mars Exploration Rover Mission will consist of two identical rovers designed to cover roughly 110 yards (100 meters) each Martian day. Each rover will carry five scientific instruments that will allow it to search for evidence of liquid water that may have been present in the planet's past. The rovers will be identical to each other, but will land at different regions of Mars. The first rover has a launch window opening May 30, 2003, and the second rover a window opening June 25, 2003. KSC-03pd0210

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facil...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, workers get ready to remove the plastic covering from the Mars Exploration Rover -2. Set to launch in 2003, the Mars Exploration Rover ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at KSC is open to receive the Mars Exploration Rovers Mission elements: cruise stage, aeroshell and lander for MER-2. Set to launch in 2003, the Mars Exploration Rover Mission will consist of two identical rovers designed to cover roughly 110 yards (100 meters) each Martian day. Each rover will carry five scientific instruments that will allow it to search for evidence of liquid water that may have been present in the planet's past. The rovers will be identical to each other, but will land at different regions of Mars. The first rover has a launch window opening May 30, 2003, and the second rover a window opening June 25, 2003. KSC-03pd0199

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at KSC is open to receive the Mars Exploration Rovers Mission elements: cruise stage, aeroshell and lander for MER-2. Set to launch in 2003... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers in the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility help guide the Mars Exploration Rover (MER) aeroshell as it is lowered toward a rotation stand. Set to launch in 2003, the MER Mission will consist of two identical rovers designed to cover roughly 110 yards (100 meters) each Martian day. Each rover will carry five scientific instruments that will allow it to search for evidence of liquid water that may have been present in the planet's past. The rovers will be identical to each other, but will land at different regions of Mars. The first rover has a launch window opening May 30, and the second rover a window opening June 25, 2003. KSC-03pd0235

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers in the Payload Hazardous Servicin...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers in the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility help guide the Mars Exploration Rover (MER) aeroshell as it is lowered toward a rotation stand. Set to launch in 2003, the MER M... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, the Mars Exploration Rover (MER) aeroshell is being prepared for transfer to a rotation stand. Set to launch in 2003, the MER Mission will consist of two identical rovers designed to cover roughly 110 yards (100 meters) each Martian day. Each rover will carry five scientific instruments that will allow it to search for evidence of liquid water that may have been present in the planet's past. The rovers will be identical to each other, but will land at different regions of Mars. The first rover has a launch window opening May 30, and the second rover a window opening June 25, 2003. KSC-03pd0230

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facili...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, the Mars Exploration Rover (MER) aeroshell is being prepared for transfer to a rotation stand. Set to launch in 2003, the MER Mission w... More

Comparison of Martian Radiation Environment with International Space Station

Comparison of Martian Radiation Environment with International Space S...

This graphic shows the radiation dose equivalent as measured by Odyssey's Martian radiation environment experiment at Mars and by instruments aboard the International Space Station, for the 11-month period from... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. - Workers in the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility watch as the Mars Exploration Rover-2 (MER-2) is tested for mobility and maneuverability. Atop the rover, on the left, can be seen the cameras, mounted on a Pancam Mast Assembly (PMA). On the right are the low-gain and high-gain antennas. Set to launch in Spring 2003, the MER Mission will consist of two identical rovers designed to cover roughly 110 yards each Martian day. Each rover will carry five scientific instruments that will allow it to search for evidence of liquid water that may have been present in the planet's past. The rovers will be identical to each other, but will land at different regions of Mars. The first rover has a launch window opening May 30, and the second rover a window opening June 25. KSC-03pd0782

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. - Workers in the Payload Hazardous Servici...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. - Workers in the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility watch as the Mars Exploration Rover-2 (MER-2) is tested for mobility and maneuverability. Atop the rover, on the left, can be s... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. - In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, workers watch as the Mars Exploration Rover-2 (MER-2) rolls over ramps to test its mobility and maneuverability. Set to launch in Spring 2003, the MER Mission will consist of two identical rovers designed to cover roughly 110 yards each Martian day over various terrain. Each rover will carry five scientific instruments that will allow it to search for evidence of liquid water that may have been present in the planet's past. The rovers will be identical to each other, but will land at different regions of Mars. The first rover has a launch window opening May 30, and the second rover a window opening June 25. KSC-03pd0791

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. - In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facili...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. - In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, workers watch as the Mars Exploration Rover-2 (MER-2) rolls over ramps to test its mobility and maneuverability. Set to launch in Sprin... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. - In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, the Mars Exploration Rover-2 (MER-2) rolls over ramps to test its mobility and maneuverability. Set to launch in Spring 2003, the MER Mission will consist of two identical rovers designed to cover roughly 110 yards each Martian day over various terrain. Each rover will carry five scientific instruments that will allow it to search for evidence of liquid water that may have been present in the planet's past. The rovers will be identical to each other, but will land at different regions of Mars. The first rover has a launch window opening May 30, and the second rover a window opening June 25. KSC-03pd0793

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. - In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facil...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. - In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, the Mars Exploration Rover-2 (MER-2) rolls over ramps to test its mobility and maneuverability. Set to launch in Spring 2003, the MER ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. - In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, the Mars Exploration Rover-2 (MER-2) is tested for mobility and maneuverability. Set to launch in Spring 2003, the MER Mission will consist of two identical rovers designed to cover roughly 110 yards each Martian day. Each rover will carry five scientific instruments that will allow it to search for evidence of liquid water that may have been present in the planet's past. The rovers will be identical to each other, but will land at different regions of Mars. The first rover has a launch window opening May 30, and the second rover a window opening June 25. KSC-03pd0786

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. - In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facil...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. - In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, the Mars Exploration Rover-2 (MER-2) is tested for mobility and maneuverability. Set to launch in Spring 2003, the MER Mission will co... More

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