The Mighty Mars Rovers
The Incredible Adventures of Spirit and Opportunity
Five, four, three, two, one…liftoff! On June 10, 2003, a little rover named Spirit blasted off on a rocket headed for Mars. Less than a month later, a twin rover named Opportunity soared through the solar system with the same mission: to find out if Mars ever had water that could have supported life. Totally dependent on solar power, which is scarce during harsh Martian winters, Spirit and Opportunity were expected to survive for three months. Instead, in what may well be the most successful space mission ever, the two go-cart-sized, six-wheeled rovers explored the red planet for more than six years. Opportunity has driven farther than anyone can believe, and Spirit survived so many impossible situations that engineers call her “the Indiana Jones of Mars.” Defying all expectations, Opportunity is still exploring!
This thrilling addition to the acclaimed Scientists in the Field series, The Mighty Mars Rovers tells the greatest space robot adventure of all time through the eyes—and heart—of Steven Squyres, professor of astronomy at Cornell University and lead scientist on the mission. Join Steve as he sweats through the rover’s dramatic landings, puzzle with him and his team as they figure out how to make delicate rovers explore deep craters and travel up the sides of jagged mountains, and hold your breath with Steve as Spirit and Opportunity find themselves in grave danger again and again.