How Have NASA’s Mars Rovers Changed Since 1997?

For over two decades, NASA has been sending robotic explorers—rovers—to Mars to answer some of the biggest questions in science: Did life ever exist on the Red Planet? What is Mars made of? And could humans one day live there?

Sojourner: The First Step (1997)

Sojourner was NASA’s first Mars rover, part of the Pathfinder mission. It was only about the size of a microwave, and operated for 83 days. But that short mission proved a big point: a rover could survive on Mars and send back data. Sojourner explored Martian rocks and soil, helping scientists understand the planet’s surface for the first time up close.

Spirit and Opportunity: The Twins (2004–2010 & 2018)

Launched in 2003 and landing in 2004, Spirit and Opportunity were designed to last 90 days. But they far exceeded expectations—Spirit lasted over 6 years, and Opportunity kept going for nearly 15!

These twin rovers found strong evidence that water once flowed on Mars. They discovered mineral-rich rocks, ancient riverbeds, and signs of past volcanic activity. Opportunity’s mission ended after a massive dust storm in 2018, but its legacy lives on in the data it sent back and the inspiration it gave to scientists and students alike.

Curiosity: The Science Lab on Wheels (2012–Present)

Curiosity landed on Mars in 2012 inside Gale Crater, a place believed to have once held a lake. It's about the size of a car and carries powerful tools to analyze rock samples, study the climate, and search for signs of ancient life.

One of its biggest discoveries? Organic molecules—the building blocks of life—were found in Martian soil. While that doesn’t prove life ever existed on Mars, it’s a huge clue that it might have.

Perseverance and Ingenuity: The New Era (2021–Present)

Perseverance landed in February 2021 in the Jezero Crater, an area that once had a river delta. Its mission: to search for signs of ancient life and collect rock samples that will one day be returned to Earth by a future mission.

It also brought along a tiny helicopter named Ingenuity, which made history by completing the first powered flight on another planet. Ingenuity proved that aerial exploration is possible on Mars, opening the door to future flying missions.

Perseverance is also laying the groundwork for human exploration by testing technologies like MOXIE, a device that creates oxygen from the Martian atmosphere.

Why It Matters

Mars rovers have done more than just roll around and take pictures. They’ve taught us about Mars' climate, geology, and potential for life. They’ve tested new technologies and paved the way for future human missions. And maybe most importantly, they’ve inspired a generation of engineers, scientists, and students—maybe even you—to reach for the stars.

Fun Fact: Each rover has a unique "signature"—their wheel tracks, names, and mission patches are designed to leave a mark on Mars, just like they've left a mark on history.