The evolution of NASA’s Mars rovers from Sojourner to Perseverance shows just how far we’ve come since 1997. Sojourner reached Mars on July 4, 1997 as part of the Mars Pathfinder mission and operational for 92 sols (95 Earth days).
It was the first wheeled vehicle to operate on an astronomical object other than the Earth or Moon, after landing in the Ares Vallis channel in the Chryse Planitia region of the Oxia Palus quadrangle. This experimental vehicle paved the way for Spirit, Curiosity, and Perseverance, as its main mission was to test technical solutions in the Martian environment that were developed by engineers of the NASA research laboratories.
- Feed a passion for science and technology – Kids can learn more about the challenges of space exploration with this LEGO Technic NASA Mars Rover...
- Conduct a test flight – This advanced building kit for kids ages 10 and up includes a buildable toy version of NASA’s Ingenuity helicopter, which...
- AR brings the mission to life – The accompanying augmented reality app experience lets kids dive into the details of the rover and its mission
Since landing its first rover on Mars in 1997, NASA has pushed the boundaries of exploration with increasingly larger and more sophisticated robotic explorers. Each mission builds on the lessons learned from the Red Planet, leading to breakthroughs in technology and our understanding of Mars. From the microwave-sized Sojourner to the SUV-sized Perseverance—and even taking flight with the groundbreaking Ingenuity helicopter—these rovers reflect decades of innovation and the drive to answer some of science’s biggest questions,” said NASA.
