Mars Global Surveyor

In November of 1996, Mars Global Surveyor began a 10-month mission to the Red Planet. The space probe was caught by Mars' gravitational pull and swung into an elliptical orbit around the planet. Onboard detectors measured radiation to determine the minerals that make up Mars. The detectors also measured the composition, pressure, water content, dust content, and changes in the Martian atmosphere. This study of Mars continued for two years. At its completion, the Surveyor mission compiled an extensive record of the planet. This information will help in the planning of future missions, which may include human landings.

All spacecraft images courtesy NASA
© The Children's Museum of Indianapolis, 1999