Part of our History of NASA series, add this Mars Rovers coin to your collection today!
Presented in .999 silver plating on a 50mm sized coin to accentuate the full-colour detail, this coin is sure to impress any fan of NASA and space travel.
In 2004, NASA launched two Mars Exploration Rovers, named Spirit and Opportunity, to explore the surface of Mars. The rovers were designed to be robotic geologists, equipped with a suite of scientific instruments to study the geology, atmosphere, and climate of Mars.
Both rovers were designed for a 90-day mission, but they ended up far surpassing their planned mission lifetimes. The Opportunity rover continued to operate for over 14 years, while the Spirit rover operated for over six years.
The rovers were able to travel across the Martian surface using six wheels and solar panels to generate power. They carried scientific instruments to study the rocks and soil, including cameras, spectrometers, and a rock abrasion tool. They also used a robotic arm to collect and analyse samples.
During their missions, the rovers made many important discoveries, including evidence of past water on Mars, evidence of volcanic activity, and the discovery of minerals that suggest the presence of a wet environment in the past. The rovers were also able to send back stunning images and panoramas of the Martian landscape, giving scientists and the public a unique glimpse into the Red Planet.
The success of the Mars Exploration Rovers paved the way for future robotic missions to Mars, including the Mars Science Laboratory mission, which landed the Curiosity rover on Mars in 2012, and the Mars 2020 mission, which landed the Perseverance rover on Mars in 2021.
