MISSIONS TO MARS

A Report for the Academic Challenge Program

by Stephanie Wong

Written in May 1998, revised September 1998.

NASA has been sending spacecraft to Mars for decades now. Mariner 4 was the first spacecraft to flyby Mars -- any planet for that matter. In 1971, Mariner 9 orbited the planet. Presently, after numerous failed missions by both the Russian and US space agencies, NASA has gone back to Mars.

Report Sections:

Introduction:

Mars, The Red Planet

The Discovery Program

Missions:

Mars Pathfinder

• Pathfinder Lander
• Sojourner Rover

Mars Global Surveyor

Mars Surveyor '98

• Climate Orbiter
• Polar Lander

Mars Surveyor '01

• Orbiter
• Lander

Future Missions

• Mars Surveyor '03
• 2005 Mars Sample Return Mission

Conclusion:

Epilogue