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06 February 2004

Mars Update

Scientists associated with the Jet Propulsion Laboratory transformed panoramic images from the Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity into this contour map that depicts the small crater into which the spacecraft bounced after landing on Mars. Image courtesy of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Click image to enlarge.

Last Saturday engineers and scientists at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory corrected a major problem with the Mars Exploration Rover Spirit. On the opposite of Mars, they instructed the Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity to roll off its landing platform onto the red martian soil.

There are now two robotic rovers on the surface of Mars.

The photographs being returned by these two robotic explorers are of astonishing quality and detail. Tracks left by the Rovers in the martial soil are clearly revealed, as are the impressions left by the inflated bags that surrounded and protected the spacecraft as they bounced to rest on the surface of Mars.

In addition to the unprecedented successful landing of two robotic surveyors on Mars, several other historic developments have occurred. Scientists now have their first microscopic look at the surface of a martian rock. The view reveals fine striations and tiny pits.

Scientists also have their first topographic survey of the inside of a crater on another planet. The survey was made possible by Opportunity's panoramic images of the inside of the crater.

The small crater is around 3 meters (9.8 feet) deep and 22 meters (72.2 feet) across. The contour map of the crater will assist scientists as they plan the best path for Opportunity to exit the crater. On the way Opportunity will carefully inspect the interesting layers of flat, layered rock that lie exposed around the inside of the crater's rim.

Dozens of other intriguing photographs and images sent back from Mars are available at www.nasa.gov.