Mars Exploration Rovers
Mars Exploration Rovers (MER) are a pair of robotic vehicles that were sent to Mars in 2003 to study the planet's geology and search for signs of past water activity. The rovers, named Spirit and Opportunity, were designed to operate for 90 Martian days (sols) but both exceeded their planned mission lifetimes by many years. The rovers were equipped with a suite of scientific instruments, including cameras, spectrometers, and a rock abrasion tool, which allowed them to analyze the composition and texture of Martian rocks and soil. The rovers also served as mobile geologic field stations, allowing scientists to explore a wide range of terrain on the Martian surface. The MER mission was a major success, providing valuable insights into the geologic history of Mars and paving the way for future robotic and human exploration of the planet.
Your Previous Searches
Random Picks
- Spacecraft Cooling System: Spacecraft Cooling System is a system that regulates the temperature of a spacecraft and its components to ensure optimal performance and prevent damage due to overheating. The cooling system uses a combination of passive and active cooling ... Read More >>
- Payload Management: In the context of aerospace engineering, payload management refers to the process of handling, controlling, and optimizing the payload of a spacecraft or an aircraft. The payload is the carrying capacity of an aircraft or spacecraft, which ... Read More >>
- Astronomy: Astronomy is the study of celestial objects, such as stars, planets, comets, and galaxies, and phenomena that originate outside the Earth's atmosphere. It involves the use of various scientific techniques to observe and analyze these object ... Read More >>
Top News
Check out this interactive map of the early universe, considered largest ever cr...
A team of astronomers have put together the largest, most detailed map of the universe ever created – and you can explore it now....
News Source: USA Today on 2025-06-12
The Vera C. Rubin Observatory is about to totally transform astronomy...
With the ability to scan the entire southern night sky every three days, the huge Vera C. Rubin Observatory could be about to start solving the mysteries of the universe, from dark matter to Planet Ni...
News Source: New Scientist on 2025-06-12
Trump's proposed science cuts will have huge consequences...
The universe will still be there to marvel at, despite brutal cuts set to hit NASA and the National Science Foundation's budgets. But the damage to future research will be long-lasting, says Chanda Pr...
News Source: New Scientist on 2025-06-11
Starlink satellites are leaking radio signals that may ruin astronomy...
Our ability to study faint radio signals from when the first stars began to form is being threatened by SpaceX's Starlink satellites, which seem to be unintentionally leaking radio signals that overpo...
News Source: New Scientist on 2025-06-09
Asteroids around Venus pose possible 'invisible threat' to Earth: Should you be ...
A swarm of large asteroids likely lurking around Venus could one day pose an "invisible threat" to Earth if left unchecked, astronomers have warned....
News Source: USA Today on 2025-06-06