Mars Pathfinder
Objectives
There are two sets of objectives for the Pathfindermission:
Engineering and Science. The primary objective for Pathfinder is
to demonstrate a low-cost approach for cruise, descent, and an upright
landing systems to place a payload on the Martian surface in a safe and
operational configuration. The technologies pioneered by Pathfinder
have the potential for use in future Mars missions. The lander also
carries the microrover which will test mobility for small rovers on Mars.
The microrover will examine the conditionding craft to assess how well
the landing system performed.
The scientific objectives include examination of the composition of rocks
and soil in the vicinity of the lander. A landing site is being chosen in
a way that will hopefully smaximize the scientific information returned.
The mission will characterize surface morphology and geology, acquire elemental
composition information, and obtain atmospheric measurements such as temperature,
pressure, and wind velocity.
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TES 1994-1995 Curriculum Guide / Arizona Mars K-12 Education Program