This image shows the Mars Pathfinder lander and Rover.
Click on image for full size
NASA/JPL
An Overview of the Mars Pathfinder Mission
People were really excited when Pathfinder landed on Mars on July 4, 1997. The Mars Pathfinder mission (MPF for short!) was sent to Mars to look at 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. The rover got to look at lots of rocks. Scientists at NASA gave the rocks cool names like Scooby Doo, Shark, Pooh Bear and Chimp. What would you name a rock on Mars?
NASA's Mars Pathfinder mission ended on September 27, 1997. It was a huge success!
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