Pictures of landers on Mars

Posted on Thursday, December 07 2006 @ 1:21 CET by Thomas De Maesschalck

NASA released pictures of past and present US landing craft on the surface of Mars taken by the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter.

He added the pictures would help scientists interpret orbital images from other parts of Mars never seen from ground level.

Hi-Rise's view of Spirit amid Mars' "Columbia Hills" is quickly being put to use by scientists and engineers who plan the rover's daily activities.

It complements a dramatic photograph released in September of Nasa's Opportunity rover at the edge of a Martian crater.

The view of Viking Lander 1 reveals the spacecraft's back shell about 260m (850ft) away and the heat shield at nearly four times that distance.

Check it out at BBC News.

About the Author

Thomas De Maesschalck

Thomas has been messing with computer since early childhood and firmly believes the Internet is the best thing since sliced bread. Enjoys playing with new tech, is fascinated by science, and passionate about financial markets. When not behind a computer, he can be found with running shoes on or lifting heavy weights in the weight room.

Loading Comments

Share this story!