This image shows the Mars Pathfinder lander and Rover.
Click on image for full size
NASA/JPL
An Overview of the Mars Pathfinder Mission
The goal of the Mars Pathfinder (MPF) mission was to analyze the
rocks and
soil of Mars. The MPF was actually 2 parts, a lander and a rover. The lander stayed right where it landed while the rover named "Sojourner" could roam the surface.
In its study of the Martian terrain near the landing site, Pathfinder found sand dunes, pebbles, wind drifts and other evidences of a changing surface. MPF also had the chance to explore Martian weather.
There was great excitement when Pathfinder landed on the surface of Mars on July 4, 1997. That excitement continued throughout the mission as the Rover was highly successful in exploring the geology of Mars. NASA's Mars Pathfinder mission was last heard from on September 27, 1997. It did operate on the surface of Mars three times longer than expected! Overall, the Pathfinder mission handed scientists tons of new knowledge about Mars!
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