Mars Pathfinder

Mars · space exploration · robotics · 1990s

First Mars rover. Sojourner was a small robot about the size of a microwave that rolled across Mars on wheels. It was the first rover ever sent to another planet, and it helped scientists learn what the Martian surface was really like up close.

Landed in 1997. Mars Pathfinder touched down on Mars on July 4, 1997, and the mission lasted until 1998. The landing showed that getting a robot to Mars and making it work was actually possible.

Carl Sagan honor. The lander was named the Carl Sagan Memorial Station to honor the famous astronomer and space explorer Carl Sagan, who inspired many people to learn about planets.

Lightweight explorer. Sojourner weighed only 23 pounds, which made it light enough to land safely and move around on the rocky Martian ground. Its small size proved that robots didn't have to be huge to do important science.