The robotic Mars Exploration Rover Spirit is stuck in the Martian soil, but is this the end of the line?
Mars is a rocky, cold and dusty world with a very thin atmosphere composed mainly of carbon dioxide -- it is far from being a cozy place for humans to live and it's not exactly an easy landscape for rovers to keep their traction. However, when compared with our other inner-Solar System options, the Red Planet is our best bet for interplanetary colonization and robotic exploration.
Ahead of any future manned mission to the Red Planet, we need to learn more about the Martian landscape, radiation, water, and we need to answer the big question: Is there any sign of extraterrestrial life in the dirt?
In this Wide Angle, we'll explore the science, technology and history of Mars roving, proving that robots with wheels are superb scouts for mankind before we set foot onto the Martian surface.
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Interview: Driving Spirit
Dr. Ashley Stroupe is the Lead Rover Driver for MER Spirit. Ian O'Neill takes an hour of Ashley's time to speak with her about what it takes to drive a robot on a different planet.
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My Take: Lasers and Mars Rovers
Mars roving is Ryan Anderson's specialty, making him the perfect scientist to overview the science behind the sophisticated rover missions. But why does he want to vaporize Mars rocks with lasers?
- Blog: Space Disco
"Has Spirit Lost Her Spirit?" -- Ian O'Neill investigates the recent trouble Mars Exploration Rover Spirit has been suffering.
- Blog: Cosmic Ray
"Do the Mars Rovers See Martian Leprechauns?" -- Ray Villard discusses the excitement caused by misinterpretation of rover images.
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HowStuffWorks: Mars Roving Hall of Fame
Only three wheeled robots have trundled in the Martian dirt, two of which are soldiering on today. Next up is a huge, plutonium-powered, laser-touting robot set to dominate the Red Planet in 2011...
- Video: Top 5 Cases For Martian Life
Life on Mars? James Williams looks at 5 reasons scientists think it's possible.
- Puzzles: Faces of Mars
The Martian surface often has complex geological features that look like humanoid faces when shadows fall in certain ways. Try to piece together these jigsaw puzzles to see if you can spot these optical illusions too.
- News: Mars Methane Found, Raising Possibility of Life
Methane has been detected in the Martian atmosphere, but what does it mean? It is hoped the Mars Science Laboratory will investigate methane sources to see whether they have a biological or geological origin.
More about Mars and Mars rovers from our partner sites:
- HowStuffWorks: How the Mars Exploration Rovers Work
Opportunity and Spirit are still roving around on the regolith as if Mars is their adopted home, but what are the reasons for sending the rover pair to Mars in the first place?
- Science Channel: Single Planet Seeks Inhabitants: Date Mars
Searching for a new planet? Look no further, Mars is here to tell you why you should pack up and head to the Red Planet!
- Science Channel: Roving Mars (Part 1)
With brilliant design and hard work, the rover engineers create a robotic wonder to explore Mars.
- Science Channel: Roving Mars (Part 2)
How do you get a rover to Mars? Here's the trip from launch to touchdown.
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