Horizon Season 2003 Episode 9 Life On Mars (Update)

Horizon Season 2003 Episode 9, titled "Life On Mars (Update)," takes us on a journey to discover the latest updates on the Mars exploration mission. With a focus on NASA's Mars Exploration Rovers, the episode explores the challenges and breakthroughs experienced by these rovers as they traverse the red planet and gather data.

The episode starts with an introduction to the Mars Exploration Rovers, Spirit and Opportunity. We learn about their mission to "follow the water" on Mars, and the obstacles they faced along the way. From mechanical failures to dust storms, the rovers had to overcome numerous challenges to continue their mission.

Next, the episode takes a closer look at some of the scientific breakthroughs that the rovers made during their exploration of Mars. We learn about the discovery of hematite, a mineral that is commonly associated with water on Earth. This finding was a significant milestone in NASA's search for evidence of water on Mars.

The episode also highlights the rovers' discovery of the "blueberries" at the Eagle Crater site. These small, spherical objects were found scattered across the Martian surface and were a crucial piece of evidence in determining the geological history of the area. The rovers' ability to take high-resolution images and perform chemical analyses of the surface allowed scientists to unravel the story of the formation of these intriguing features.

As we explore the latest updates on the Mars mission, the episode also covers the Spirit rover's unfortunate fate. We learn about the mechanical failures that led to the rover getting stuck in the sand and losing contact with Earth. Despite attempts to re-establish communication, eventually, NASA declared the mission over in 2011.

The episode then shifts its focus to the Opportunity rover and its journey to explore the Endeavor Crater. We learn about the challenges faced by this rover, including its damaged wheels, which threatened to end the mission prematurely. However, thanks to the determination of the NASA team, Opportunity managed to push through and continue its mission.

As we near the end of the episode, we are presented with an update on the Mars mission and the latest discoveries. We learn about the development of the Mars Ascent Vehicle, a prototype rocket designed to bring samples of Mars back to Earth for analysis. This development is a significant milestone in NASA's efforts to unravel the mysteries of Mars.

Overall, Horizon Season 2003 Episode 9, "Life On Mars (Update)," takes us on an exciting journey through the latest updates on the Mars exploration mission. From the discovery of hematite to the incredible journey of the Spirit and Opportunity rovers, this episode brings us up to speed with the latest developments and lays the groundwork for future space exploration missions.