Exploring Mars: Chronicles from a Decade of Discovery by
The Red Planet has been a subject of fascination for humanity for thousands of years, becoming part of our folklore and popular culture. The most Earthlike of the planets in our solar system, Mars may have harbored some form of life in the past and may still possess an ecosystem in some underground refuge. The mysteries of this fourth planet from our Sun make it of central importance to NASA and its science goals for the twenty-first century. In the wake of the very public failures of the Mars Polar Lander and the Mars Climate Orbiter in 1999, NASA embarked on a complete reassessment of the Mars Program. Scott Hubbard was asked to lead this restructuring in 2000, becoming known as the "Mars Czar." His team's efforts resulted in a very successful decade-long series of missions--each building on the accomplishments of those before it--that adhered to the science adage "follow the water" when debating how to proceed. Hubbard's work created the Mars Odyssey mission, the twin rovers Spirit and Opportunity, the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, the Phoenix mission, and most recently the planned launch of the Mars Science Laboratory. Now for the first time Scott Hubbard tells the complete story of how he fashioned this program, describing both the technical and political forces involved and bringing to life the national and international cast of characters engaged in this monumental endeavor. Blending the exciting stories of the missions with the thrills of scientific discovery, Exploring Mars will intrigue anyone interested in the science, the engineering, or the policy of investigating other worlds.
Mars: uncovering the secrets of the red planet by
An illustrated account of the history of exploration of the planet Mars incorporating photographs taken from the Pathfinder and Global Surveyor space missions.
Can We Make It to Mars? by
This program examines the prospect of sending humans on a trip to Mars that could last as long as two to three years. Though the dangers of this potential journey include bone and muscle deterioration, cosmic radiation, and the threat of meteoroids, new scientific innovations are being designed to circumvent such problems. The episode also features scientist Vandi Verma, who is part of the team responsible for directing Mars rovers over the planet's harsh terrain.
Is There Life on Mars? by
This videodisc showcases the latest scientific revelations from a planet, once alien, now poised to reveal provocative new clues in the tantalizing quest to plumb its past for signs of water and, perhaps, even life.
Welcome to Mars by
Documents the most significant events of the Mars rovers Spirit and Opportunity.
Mars: Dead or Alive by
In January 2004, two spacecraft (named Spirit and Opportunity) carrying identical robotic explorers touched down on the surface of Mars. Take a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the design, testing, and launch of the mission, then join the quest for signs of life on the red planet.
Credit: Canadian Space Agency
