Mars: Pathfinder (jan 1, 1996 – dec 30, 1997)
Description:
Rover: "Sojourner"Launch vehicle:
Delta II
Airbag landing
Alpha Proton X-ray Spectrometer: Determined the elemental composition of rocks and soils.
Three Cameras: provided images of the surrounding terrain for geological studies, and documented the performance and operating environment for Pathfinder mission technologies.
Atmospheric Structure Instrument/ Meteorology Package: Measured the Martian atmosphere during Pathfinder's descent to the surface, and provided meteorological measurements at the lander.
GEOLOGICAL EVIDENCE:
Found rounded pebbles and cobbles at the landing site, and other observations, suggested conglomerates that formed in running water during a warmer past in which liquid water was stable.
Added to timeline:
Date:
jan 1, 1996
dec 30, 1997
~ 1 years and 11 months