Mars Global Surveyor was a revolutionary spacecraft that spent ten years orbiting the Red Planet, completely transforming scientists’ knowledge of Mars. The spacecraft thoroughly examined the entire Martian surface, atmosphere, and interior, making significant discoveries that reshaped our understanding of the planet.
One of the most groundbreaking findings of the mission was the observation of intermittent flows of water down hillside gullies on Mars, suggesting that liquid water may still exist on the planet. Additionally, the spacecraft identified mineral deposits that were indicative of past water-related activity, leading to the selection of a landing site for a future Mars rover mission.
Despite its remarkable successes, Mars Global Surveyor eventually encountered technical issues that led to its eventual silence in November 2006. A series of events, likely stemming from a computer error due to battery failure, resulted in the spacecraft no longer being able to communicate with Earth or send back images and data.
However, despite its eventual demise, Mars Global Surveyor left an enduring legacy in the field of planetary science. Its discoveries significantly advanced our understanding of Mars and paved the way for future missions to further explore the mysteries of the Red Planet.