The Mars Rovers: Sojourner


a cartoon illustration of the Sojourner rover

In 1997, NASA scientists did something pretty amazing. For the first time, they used a small wheeled robot to study the surface of Mars. This robotic explorer, called a rover, was named Sojourner. It was only about the size of a microwave oven. However, it went on to share lots of important new information with scientists.

a cartoon illustration of the Sojourner rover next to a microwave oven


Sojourner wasn’t alone on its journey to Mars. It traveled within a spacecraft called a lander. The lander was shaped like a pyramid and was covered in airbags. The airbags helped the lander have a safe, bouncy landing. The pyramid shape helped ensure the lander and rover could be flipped right-side-up, no matter how they landed. After the lander touched down on Mars, a panel opened and Sojourner rolled out to start exploring.

a movie of the Sojourner rover driving up the side of a rock with one tire

The Sojourner rover drives around on the Martian surface and rolls one of its wheels up on a rock. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech


The rover explored an area of Mars near its landing site called Ares Vallis. Scientists were interested in this area because it looked like the site of an ancient flood. The rushing water of a flood would have pushed lots of rocks and dirt into one place. This means the rover could study lots of different types of rocks without traveling very far.

Engineers also liked the area because it seemed like a flat, safe place for Sojourner to land.

a map of Mars showing the landing sites of each rover

The landing sites of all four Mars rovers on a map of Mars. Credit: National Geographic Society, MOLA Science Team, MSS, JPL, NASA


As Sojourner drove short distances, it used its camera to take pictures of the Martian landscape. It sent back more than 550 pictures of the Red Planet. The rover used instruments to study what the nearby Martian rocks and dirt were made of. Its lander also collected information about winds and other weather factors on Mars.

a photograph captured by Sojourner of a Martian rock

A photograph taken by Sojourner of a Martian rock. Scientists think that the texture on this rock suggests that it was slowly shaped over time by wind. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech


From far away, Mars looks cold, dry, and rocky. But Sojourner's photos and information told a much different story. We learned that a long time ago, Mars used to be a warmer and wetter place.

article last updated March 6, 2020
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