JPL Home Page JPL Earth JPL Solar System JPL Stars and Galaxies JPL Science & Technology Jet Propulsion Laboratory California Institute of Technology 2001 Mars Odyssey NASA Home Page Jet Propulsion Laboratory California Institute of Technology Follow this link to skip to the main content
NASA logo, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology header separator
+ NASA Homepage
+ NASA en Español
+ Marte en Español
GO!
2001 Mars Odyssey
Overview Science Technology The Mission People Features Events Multimedia
Mars for Kids
Mars for Students
Mars for Educators
Mars for Press
+ Mars Home
+ Odyssey Home
Multimedia
Summary
Images
Latest Images
Calibration
Spacecraft
Instruments
Engineering Diagrams
Canyons
Craters
Polar Ice Caps
Water Features
Volcanoes
Martian Terrain
Dust Storms
Sand Dunes
Mars Artwork
Slideshows
Videos
Martian Terrain
Return to Martian Terrain index
This mosaic shows 36 proposed landing sites for NASA's next Mars rover, in the Mars Science Laboratory mission.

Selecting the Next Off-Road Tour of Mars

Because Earthlings only get one chance every 26 months to send a spacecraft to Mars, it's important to make the most of every opportunity and to get there safely. Scientists and engineers are in the process of selecting five finalists from 36 proposed landing sites for NASA's next Mars rover, in the Mars Science Laboratory mission.

Finding the right landing site is a little like a treasure hunt, using a variety of clues from the Mars Odyssey and other orbiters. The objective is to find a smooth yet firm landing site within reach of interesting places to explore. Mars Odyssey images help scientists differentiate dusty, sandy areas from rocky areas.
Explore landing sites at the THEMIS site

JPL Image Use Policy

Credits Feedback Related Links Sitemap
USA Gov
USA Gov