Living the dream - An overview of the Mars Exploration Project

The twin Mars Exploration Rover (MER) vehicles began in early April 2000 at Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) following the disappointing failures of the Mars Climate Orbiter and the Mars Polar Lander. The plan called for placing a highly capable rover, later twin-rovers, onto Mars. After NASA headquarters granted approval, the project went quickly to work. The successful launches in June and July 2003 capped off a grueling 35-month development program. After the seven-month cruise period, the twin landings led to a planned 90-day surface mission. Scientific findings included incontrovertible evidence for past liquid water at both landing sites. After the successful 90-day mission, NASA headquarters issued authorization for continuous operations through 1 October 2006.