The Exploration Of Mars

Roving Mars

An insider's look at the Mars Exploration Rover mission from the scientific principal investigator behind it that "provides you-are-there thrills and chills you can't get anywhere else" ( The San Francisco Chronicle ). "Fascinating insights into our exploration of Mars. For now, this is as close to the Red Planet as you can get!" —Sir Arthur C. Clarke In Roving Mars, Steve Squyres, principal scientist for the Mars Exploration Rover mission, shares his gripping account of life at the center of one of the greatest explorations of all time. Since 1977, Squyres had dreamed of exploring Mars, and after nearly two decades of planning, he got his chance. With hundreds of other scientists and engineers, Squyres worked to build and launch two rovers named Spirit and Opportunity, and then guide them on Mars. Spirit and Opportunity faced tremendous obstacles, but they beat the odds and everyone's expectations, giving Squyres and his team the chance to make unparalleled discoveries about Mars and its potential for life. Through more than a decade of ups, downs, triumphs, dead ends, politics, and even utter confusion, what shines through Roving Mars is a thrilling tale of adventure and drama at the frontiers of exploration. "An exceptional story, exceptionally well-told . . . Squyres joins Carl Sagan and Stephen Jay Gould in the pantheon of scientists who successfully popularized their disciplines." — The Minneapolis Star-Tribune "Squyres's enthusiasm for exploring Mars shines brightly." — Booklist

An Astrobiology Strategy for the Exploration of Mars

Three recent developments have greatly increased interest in the search for life on Mars. The first is new information about the Martian environment including evidence of a watery past and the possibility of atmospheric methane. The second is the possibility of microbial viability on Mars. Finally, the Vision for Space Exploration initiative included an explicit directive to search for the evidence of life on Mars. These scientific and political developments led NASA to request the NRC's assistance in formulating an up-to-date integrated astrobiology strategy for Mars exploration. Among other topics, this report presents a review of current knowledge about possible life on Mars; an astrobiological assessment of current Mars missions; a review of Mars-mission planetary protection; and findings and recommendations. The report notes that the greatest increase in understanding of Mars will come from the collection and return to Earth of a well-chosen suite of Martian surface materials.

The Exploration of Mars