Mars Global Surveyor

Mars Global Surveyor was a NASA spacecraft launched in 1996 that orbited Mars to study its surface, atmosphere, and geology. It provided detailed maps of the Martian landscape, including evidence of water in the past. The mission greatly enhanced our understanding of Mars's climate, surface features, and potential for life. Mars Global Surveyor operated for nearly a decade, sending back thousands of images and data, and significantly contributed to planning future Mars missions. It was instrumental in shifting our perspective on the planet's history and characteristics.