Human unmanned missions to Mars have been mapping resources on that planet for years now as of 2023.
The Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) was a NASA spacecraft that was launched in 2005 with the primary goal of studying the Martian surface and atmosphere. The total cost of the mission was approximately $720 million. The spacecraft began its 310 million-mile journey to Mars on Aug. 12, 2005 when it left Cape Canaveral, Fla., aboard an Atlas rocket.
The MRO reached Mars insertion orbit on March 10, 2006. It carried a suite of scientific instruments, including a high-resolution camera, spectrometers, radar, and a weather sensor, among others. These instruments allowed the orbiter to gather a vast amount of data about Mars, including detailed images of the surface, mineral and chemical composition, weather patterns, and the presence of water ice.
1. High-Resolution Imaging Science Experiment Camera (HiRISE)
2. Context Camera (CTX)
3. Mars Color Imager (MARCI)
4. Compact Reconnaissance Imaging Spectrometer (CRISM)
5. Mars Climate Sounder (MCS)
6. Shallow Subsurface Radar (SHARAD)
7. Optical Navigation Camera
8. Electra Communications Package
9. Gravity Field Investigation Package
10. Atmospheric Structure Investigation
Some of the significant findings of the MRO mission include the discovery of widespread water ice under the planet’s surface, evidence of ancient riverbeds and deltas, and the identification of potential landing sites for future human missions.
Since its arrival at Mars in 2006, the MRO has been one of NASA’s most successful and long-lasting missions. It has continued to operate well beyond its intended two-year mission lifespan, making significant contributions to our understanding of the Red Planet. As of 2023, the MRO is still operational and continues to transmit valuable data to Earth. {Nasa}