Alternative Title: Carl Sagan Memorial Station
Mars Pathfinder, robotic U.S. spacecraft launched to Mars to demonstrate a new way to land a spacecraft on the planet’s surface and the operation of an independent robotic rover. Developed by NASA as part of a low-cost approach to planetary exploration, Pathfinder successfully completed both demonstrations, gathered scientific data, and returned striking images from Mars. Its observations added to evidence that, at some time in its history, Mars was much more Earth-like than it is today, with a warmer, thicker atmosphere and much more water.
Mars Pathfinder, as seen by its rover, Sojourner, on July 8, 1997, three days after the rover rolled out onto the surface of Chryse Planitia. Visible in front of Pathfinder are a portion of the air bags that cushioned its impact at touchdown, Sojourner s ramp, and the rover s tracks leading from the lander.