Okay. This is pretty cool – downgraded from “the coolest thing” because it’s missing at least one rover: Phoenix.
See where all the Earth made spacecraft that reached Mars landed using this spacecraft map on Google Mars! Did you know the Russians not only beat us into space, they also beat us to Mars – twice? Did you know the U.K. made an attempt at Mars? Learn your Martian-Earth history! (Though they need to update their data on Spirit, it’s no longer running….)
Here’s a list of what’s on the map:
Mars 2 Lander (USSR) – 1971
Failed during descent. First man-made object on Mars.
Mars 3 Lander (USSR) – 1971
First successful landing on Mars, sent signal for 20 seconds after landing.
Mars 6 Lander (USSR) – 1973
Failed, contact lost just before touchdown.
Viking 1 Lander (USA) – 1975
Landed successfully, operated for more than 6 years. Returned extensive science results.
Viking 2 Lander (USA) – 1975
Landed successfully, operated for more than 3.5 years. Returned extensive science results.
Mars Pathfinder Rover (USA) – 1996
Landed successfully, operated for just under 3 months.
Mars Polar Lander (USA)- 1999
Failed. Crashed just prior to landing due to premature engine shutdown.
MER Spirit Rover (USA) – 2003
Landed successfully in January of 2004, and still running. ran until early 2011
MER Opportunity Rover (USA) – 2003
Landed successfully in January of 2004, and still running.
Beagle 2 Lander (UK) – 2003
British lander, part of Mars Express mission. Failed during descent.